Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question follows the government's initiatives to address knife crime, including Operation Sceptre. The MP seeks specific steps being taken.
What steps her Department is taking to reduce knife crime?
We are taking action on every level to cut knife crime. This week sees the instigation of Operation Sceptre—a nationally organised week of intensification against that crime. We are also investing millions of pounds in prevention and early intervention to stop young people being drawn into violence.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify amounts invested or detailed measures beyond general statements
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
In 2017, the MP's constituent Ryan Passey was killed with a knife inside a nightclub in Stourbridge. The perpetrator was acquitted. This raises concerns about broader aspects of tackling knife crime.
My constituent Ryan Passey was killed with a knife inside a nightclub in Stourbridge. Absurdly, the perpetrator was acquitted. I am grateful for the work done by the Government so far on sentencing, but does the Minister agree that we need to be tough not just on sentencing, but on all aspects that have thus far allowed the perpetrators of knife crime to go free?
My hon. Friend raises a terrible case. The family of Mr Passey have our deep condolences. Over the past 12 years, I have met far too many parents of children and young people who have sadly been murdered and killed on our streets and in nightclubs, often by people they regard as friends. Back in the early part of the previous decade, we thought we had beaten knife crime, but unfortunately it is back. My hon. Friend is quite right that we need to concentrate on every aspect of this—from enforcement through to prevention and, frankly, long-term work with young people that shows them that carrying a knife is dangerous not only to others, but fundamentally to themselves.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to specific actions or measures beyond acknowledging the need for multi-faceted approach
Response accuracy