Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Knife Crime: Custodial Sentences 2026-06-30

Tuesday 30 June 2026 · 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 2 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial questions addressed concerns over knife crime and custodial sentences for young offenders.
  • Bob Blackman questioned the effectiveness of custodial sentences for young people carrying knives for self-defense.
  • Marsha de Cordova inquired about coordinated actions to address knife crime, including involvement of schools and public health.
  • Kerry McCarthy highlighted the importance of listening to youth perspectives on tackling knife crime through community initiatives.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Crime & Law Enforcement Education
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Jake Richards

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to specific action or message about custodial sentences for knife possession

How: Changing Subject

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Q2 Mike Wood Con Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Jake Richards

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No concrete action or commitment on how to prevent decriminalisation under the presumption

How: Challenging Premise, Changing Subject

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Q3 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Crime & Law Enforcement Education
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Jake Richards

Deterrence is important but so are education and early intervention. We need tailored approaches for children who carry knives out of fear.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific action or commitment on ensuring a deterrent message

How: Changing Subject

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Q4 Marsha de Cordova Lab Battersea
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement Education
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Jake Richards

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.

Answered
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Q5 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Crime & Law Enforcement Community Security
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Jake Richards

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.

Answered
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