Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns about knife crime in the constituency of Bournemouth. The MP wants to address steps being taken.
What steps he is taking to tackle knife crime in Bournemouth?
Violent crime overall has reduced by 51% since 2010. Funding for violence reduction units includes £20 million for Manchester's VRU, and hotspot policing is being conducted in areas with serious violence issues, with £66 million allocated across England and Wales.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures for Bournemouth were not addressed directly.
General Reduction Statistics Without Addressing Local Issue
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by the tragic death of Rhamero West, who was stabbed to death at age 16. His mother has been campaigning for safety measures.
In September 2021, my constituent Rhamero West was chased across Manchester, stabbed and killed—he was just 16. His mum, Kelly, has worked tirelessly to make sure that no other families have to face the suffering she and her family have faced, including by raising money to fund a network of bleed kits across Greater Manchester and a youth project in Fallowfield. She wants to tell Rhamero's story to help save other young lives, so will the Minister agree to meet her?
Yes, of course. It sounds as though the hon. Gentleman's constituent is campaigning bravely to try to bring some good out of a terrible personal tragedy, so I would be delighted to meet him and his constituent.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question stems from the need to address increasing knife crime among young people in various UK towns, including Bournemouth. The MP is seeking support for a VRU specific to his area.
May I quickly put on record my thanks to the Security Minister and the Policing Minister for their efforts in upgrading MPs' security? Across the UK, ever more young people are choosing to carry knives. Sadly, that is the case in Bournemouth as well. Violence reduction units are dedicated police units that have a proven track record of reducing knife crime in town centres in other parts of the country, not just through increased policing, but by working in the community, including at schools, to educate youngsters on the dangers of carrying a knife. I am grateful for the increase in police numbers in Dorset, but will the Minister ask the Chancellor to see whether extra funds can be provided specifically for a VRU for Bournemouth?
I will convey my right hon. Friend's request to the Chancellor and I put on record my thanks for his tireless campaigning and that of other Dorset MPs for resources for that county and its police force. Dorset police will receive about £11 million more next year than it received the previous year, and an exceptional special grant last year of £600,000 was provided to help campaign against violence.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific funding for Bournemouth VRU was not confirmed.
General Increase In Police Numbers Without Addressing Vru Request
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the increasing incidents of knife crime since 2015. A recent plan by Labour was rejected by the Government.
With incidents up by 70% since 2015, the public are looking for leadership on knife crime. Earlier this month, the Government would not support our plan, which includes broadening the ban on zombie knives to include ninja swords; an end-to-end review of online sales; and criminal penalties for tech execs who allow their platform to be used for illicit sales. The Government rejected our plan, but what they have in place simply is not working, so we will push again during the remaining stages of the Criminal Justice Bill. Will they accept it then?
According to the crime survey of England and Wales, violent crime has reduced by 51% since 2010. When the Online Safety Act 2023 is fully in force, strong action will be taken against online marketplaces for illegal knife sales. Legislation is being brought forward to ban a range of machetes and zombie-style knives.
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Assessment & feedback
The rejection of Labour's plan was not addressed directly.
Providing General Crime Reduction Statistics Instead
Response accuracy