Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Knife Crime and Serious Violence

Monday 14 November 2022 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Knife crime and serious violence were discussed in Ministerial Questions on 2022-11-14.
  • The Minister agreed that robust police and court responses are necessary and noted a 9% reduction in national knife crime since pre-pandemic levels.
  • The Minister expressed support for initiatives like the Knife Angel and stated willingness to discuss additional measures to address knife crime.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alex Cunningham Lab
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

Stockton experienced an incident where a house was targeted by two men armed with dangerous tools, threatening the safety of residents. This reflects broader issues in Teesside.

Question

I watched footage from Stockton showing two men using a chainsaw to break into a house and smashing windows. Who knows what would have happened if they had entered? These are organised criminals targeting communities for illegal drug trade. Cleveland police need additional resources after losing hundreds of officers since 2010.

Answer from Chris Philp

I agree that such crimes are despicable, those who commit them should be pursued, prosecuted and imprisoned. I recently met Steve Turner, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, and discussed this issue with him.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question specifically asked about resources and police numbers, but the answer did not address these aspects directly.

How: Acknowledged The Severity Of Crime, Met With Commissioner To Discuss

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Q2 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

Harrow has seen an 18% increase in knife crime incidents, leading to serious injuries including three people being stabbed and hospitalized.

Question

There have been significant increases in knife crime cases with severe outcomes. We need both a robust police response and the courts to enforce strict penalties for possession of knives. What measures is my right hon. Friend willing to consider further?

Answer from Chris Philp

I agree that a robust police and court response are necessary; currently, there is a 9% reduction in national knife crime since pre-pandemic levels. I am willing to discuss additional measures with my hon. Friend.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Acknowledged the problem but did not commit to further action on sentencing rules.

How: Discussed Current National Statistics, Offered To Discuss Further

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Q3 Ben Everitt
Crime & Law Enforcement Community Security
Context

Operation Deter in Milton Keynes aims at imprisoning individuals found with knives. A Knife Angel is visiting the area to raise awareness.

Question

Alongside Operation Deter, we need strong legislation and policing strategies, as well as working closely with local communities. Will my right hon. Friend support the visit of the Knife Angel to Milton Keynes?

Answer from Chris Philp

I agree that initiatives like the Knife Angel are vital and funded through specific streams, and I commend their work.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question asked for specific support for the Knife Angel's visit, but only received a general statement of agreement.

How: Praised Initiatives, Noted Funding Streams

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Q4 Alex Cunningham Lab
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

Stockton experienced an incident involving criminals targeting a house with dangerous tools. This reflects broader issues of police resource shortages since 2010.

Question

A recent security camera footage showed two men using chainsaws and hammers to break into a home, threatening the safety of residents. Cleveland needs more police resources after losing hundreds of officers since 2010.

Answer from Chris Philp

I agree that these crimes are despicable and those responsible should be pursued, prosecuted and imprisoned. I recently met Steve Turner, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address specific resource needs or police numbers directly.

How: Acknowledged Severity, Met With Commissioner

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Q5 Hilary Benn Lab Leeds South
Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

There is an increase in the incidence of machete use on streets, raising concerns about their sale legality.

Question

In September, I asked a then Home Office Minister why it's legal to buy a machete at 18. The serious weapons review is looking into this matter; when will it conclude and what actions will be taken to ban the sale of machetes?

Answer from Chris Philp

I have sympathy for the point made regarding the use of machetes. I met Deputy Assistant Commissioner McNulty who proposed various ideas, and I am studying them closely to announce further steps soon.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Acknowledged seriousness but did not commit to a timeline or specific action.

How: Sympathised With Concerns, Met Commissioner For Advice

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