House of Commons · Westminster Hall
21 January 2025 · 11 other contributors · 13,916 words
Opened by Sarah Coombes Lab West Bromwich
Responding minister: Dame Diana Johnson
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Sarah Coombes raised concerns about knife crime: west midlands in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The MP asks for more visible policing as a deterrent, reduction in access to knives through bans and stronger enforcement against online retailers, early intervention education programs, and support for young people at teachable moments such as when they are in custody or hospital.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
In the West Midlands, there is a high rate of knife crime per capita. The issue has led to personal tragedies and long-term impacts on families, including self-harming by children. There are concerns about distrust towards police, lack of opportunities for youth, and easy online access to knives.
It is fantastic to hear from both the victims and the perpetrators of these crimes, highlighting the need for robust preventive measures and addressing root causes such as investment in youth services and education.
Emphasised the importance of youth centres in preventing gang culture. Highlighted the need for adequate resources, including staffing levels and funding for activities, to ensure that young people have access to positive alternatives.
The tragic loss of 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa in Woolwich and 17-year-old Ilyas Habibi in Sutton highlights the need for urgent action to address knife crime. Communities across different metropolitan areas face similar challenges.
The number of recorded offences in the west midlands was over 3,600 last year, a 6% increase on the previous year. Campaigning for Cody’s law which would mandate bleed control kits and metal detectors in late-night venues. Discussed tragic cases in her constituency related to knife crime.
Asked how the Government plans to achieve a 50% reduction in knife crime by 2033 and for more details on funding for violence reduction units.
The West Midlands police force area is responsible for 10% of knife-enabled crime in England and Wales. Prevention must be prioritised to address the root causes, including poverty, drugs, gangs, exploitation, school exclusion, domestic violence, adverse childhood experiences, and being in care. Referred to a Labour party manifesto commitment for mandatory referral to youth offending teams for young people caught carrying knives.
Acknowledged the contributions from MPs about the James Brindley Foundation, Cody’s law, youth clubs, and the impact of knife crime on women and girls. Highlighted the need for personal liability for those selling knives and welcomed Idris Elba's coalition.
Expresses condolences to victims and families, highlighting the impact on schools with examples of senseless murders. Calls for stronger prevention measures, education programmes, and robust enforcement against criminal gangs.
Young people are deeply concerned about knife crime, which is their top priority. They suggest actions such as visible policing and early intervention, but emphasise the need to understand root causes from a young person's perspective.
Pleased with the government's actions, including a coalition to tackle knife crime and the Young Futures programme, but calls for more local prevention partnerships and neighbourhood teams in hotspots. Mentions 185 weapons safely deposited in Wolverhampton.
Highlighted the tragic consequences of knife crime in Aldridge-Brownhills, mentioning James Brindley's death and the work of the James Brindley Foundation. Highlighted the important work of the James Brindley Foundation.
Government Response
Dame Diana JohnsonThe Minister for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention
Acknowledged the impact of knife crime on communities across Britain and thanked MPs for their contributions. Emphasised the importance of youth involvement in tackling knife crime and highlighted several initiatives such as mandatory referrals to youth offending teams and collaborative efforts to reduce knife crime. We aim to halve knife crime within a decade and have taken steps such as increasing police funding, introducing bans on dangerous weapons, running consultations, and forming partnerships like the coalition to tackle knife crime. Specific measures include a surrender and compensation scheme for zombie-style knives, banning ninja swords, reviewing online sales of knives, and consulting on personal liability measures for executives who fail to remove illegal content related to knives and other weapons. Additionally, we have committed to creating young futures hubs to intervene early in supporting vulnerable children and young people at risk of being drawn into crime.