Knife Offences 2024-12-19
2024-12-19
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from recent incidents of people carrying machetes in Hemel Hempstead, and a high rate of antisocial behaviour there. The MP also references 20,000 police officers being removed under previous Conservative Governments.
What recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on prosecuting knife offences?
Every single victim of knife crime is one too many, and this Christmas there will be some constituents, including my own, facing the heartbreaking reality of a loved one who is no longer with them due to knife crime. That is why, as part of our plan for change, the Government are 100% committed to tackling knife crime.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer avoids discussing any recent discussions on prosecuting knife offences and instead provides a general statement on commitment to tackle knife crime.
General Statement
Commitment Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
There have been reports of people carrying machetes in Livingstone Walk, Hemel Hempstead, with a Dacorum local crime unit investigating one incident of alleged robbery at knifepoint. The MP also mentions high rates of antisocial behaviour and police cuts under previous Governments.
What further steps is the Solicitor General taking to ensure that violent thugs are not allowed to run riot and are brought to justice?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise this important matter. Knife-enabled robberies surged under the previous Government, which is why the Home Secretary has made tackling these offences an urgent priority. Enforcement is key, and that is why we are putting police back on the beat with a named officer for every neighbourhood.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not specify further steps by the Solicitor General but mentions enforcement measures in general terms.
General Statement
Commitment Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP commends the Government's swift action on banning ninja swords and seizing zombie-style knives. Ilford South has experienced several heinous attacks this year where teenagers lost their lives.
What are the Government doing to support the victims of knife crime and their families?
My hon. Friend makes a powerful point. Many of our constituents will have gone through the same pain as his. That is why we are taking strong action on knife crime, banning lethal weapons and working to ensure that dangerous blades do not end up in the wrong hands.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer avoids addressing support for victims but focuses on actions against illegal possession of knives.
General Statement
Commitment Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
In West Bromwich, young people wearing balaclavas and wielding machetes ran around the town centre in broad daylight. People were put off going into the town centre.
What is the Solicitor General doing to work with other Ministers to crack down on these zombie-style knives and ensure our town centres are safe?
I am very sorry to hear about that shocking incident in my hon. Friend's constituency, and she is right to raise it in this House. These kinds of weapons have absolutely no place on our streets. That is why this Government took quick action to ensure it was illegal to possess machetes.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not specify actions by the Solicitor General or other Ministers but focuses on making possession of machetes illegal.
General Statement
Commitment Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP, as a former trauma surgeon, has seen the devastating effects of knife and other serious violent crime. The Government have committed to halving knife crime within a decade.
Will the Solicitor General tell the House which crimes are to be included, and the date by which that will be achieved?
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right that knife crime is still too high—more than 50,000 instances in the year to June 2024. He is also right to highlight that this Government are taking strong action to combat knife crime.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not specify which crimes will be included or the target date for achieving the reduction in serious violent crime, focusing instead on high instances of knife crime.
General Statement
Commitment Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Thames Valley Police's Wokingham neighbourhood team presented to young people the dangers of carrying knives at Bohunt School in Arborfield. The MP highlights early intervention as key and asks about conversations.
What conversations has the Solicitor General had with her Home Office colleagues on the link between police officer numbers and effective recording of the prevention of knife crime?
The hon. Gentleman is right to highlight these issues in this House. Key to prevention and early intervention is our programme of young futures hubs and prevention partnerships.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not address any conversations but discusses the importance of young futures hubs and prevention partnerships.
General Statement
Commitment Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raises concerns about the impact of knife crime on families.
How many under-18s across the United Kingdom in the past 12 months have been: (a) cautioned; (b) charged; and (c) convicted of knife crime offences?
I am grateful to the hon. Member for his question. He will appreciate that I do not have those statistics to hand, but I am more than happy to write to him.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide any specific statistics and defers to a written response.
Deferral
Procedural
Response accuracy