Knife Crime Custodial Sentences 2026-06-30
2026-06-30
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
More young people are carrying knives, supposedly to defend themselves, leading to stabbings in schools and increased knife crime. The question addresses the need for deterrent measures.
I am concerned that more young people carry knives to defend themselves, resulting in serious incidents like stabbings in schools, particularly in my constituency. Given this trend, should those caught carrying knives face custodial sentences to deter such behaviour?
Deterrence is important, but early intervention and education are crucial. Custodial sentences play a part, but we need to be careful with interventions for young people who carry knives due to fear of personal safety.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not commit to specific action or message about custodial sentences for knife possession
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Statistics show that the average custodial sentence for adult knife or offensive weapon offences is just over eight months, with a presumption introduced by the Sentencing Act 2026 to suspend sentences below 12 months. This could potentially decriminalise many knife crimes.
The latest figures indicate an average custodial sentence of just over eight months for adult knife or offensive weapon offences due to a presumption in the Sentencing Act that sentences under 12 months should be suspended. What measures is the Minister taking to ensure this does not decriminalise many knife offences?
The Sentencing Act's presumption is just that—a presumption. It was proposed by the Conservatives in their final years of office, and we need to be careful about early interventions with children who carry knives.
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Assessment & feedback
No concrete action or commitment on how to prevent decriminalisation under the presumption
Challenging Premise
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There is an increase in young people carrying knives to defend themselves, leading to stabbings in schools. This raises concerns about the need for deterrent measures.
More young people are carrying knives to protect themselves, resulting in incidents such as stabbings in schools. Given this situation, should those caught with knives face custodial sentences?
Deterrence is important but so are education and early intervention. We need tailored approaches for children who carry knives out of fear.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific action or commitment on ensuring a deterrent message
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
Jamal Coombes, a 17-year-old in the constituency of Battersea, was killed due to knife crime. There is a need for a coordinated approach involving schools, public health and the police.
In my constituency, Jamal Coombes was recently killed as a result of knife crime. What actions are being taken by this Government now to ensure a more coordinated response with schools, public health and the police?
We have a plan to halve knife crime over the next decade through a cross-Government approach. This includes measures like banning dangerous weapons, tightening online sales rules, and funding targeted enforcement in hotspots.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
Empire Fighting Chance, a boxing gym in the constituency of Bristol East, is involved in an anti-knife crime coalition. The initiative aims to involve young people whose lives have been affected by knife crime.
Next Thursday, MPs will visit Empire Fighting Chance, a community project that involves youth perspectives on tackling knife crime. Does the Minister agree that listening to these youth perspectives is crucial?
Community initiatives are crucial, and I credit projects like Empire Fighting Chance. We published a White Paper ensuring that children's voices inform our interventions.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy