New Knife Crime Intervention Measures

Growing up, I saw first-hand how easily vulnerable children can be groomed, exploited and drawn into gangs. I saw the fear this creates in families and the damage it does to futures. Those experiences have stayed with me and shaped my deep commitment to tackling knife crime and protecting children before they are lost to violence. This issue has always meant a great deal to me, including during my time as Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Knife Crime.

 

In Coventry, when I have spoken to local families living with the trauma of knife crime, to youth workers who go above and beyond to keep children safe, and to police officers who work tirelessly on our streets, one message comes through clearly: early and consistent support changes lives. Many young people who carry knives are frightened themselves. They are frightened of exploitation, frightened of retaliation and frightened of not belonging. If we do not confront the reasons behind that fear, we will not break the cycle.

 

Referring every young person found carrying a knife to Youth Justice Services and putting in place a targeted plan to understand and address the root causes of their behaviour is a vital step forward. It recognises that while there must be consequences, there must also be care, guidance and real opportunity.

 

The £320 million investment in Youth Justice Services is significant and welcome. Now it must translate into properly resourced local services working hand in hand with schools, families, health professionals and community organisations to intervene early and remain alongside young people for the long term.

 

Knife crime shatters families and scars communities. Behind every statistic is a child whose life could have taken a different path. I will continue to work with ministers, local partners and community leaders to ensure these measures deliver real and lasting change, because every child deserves safety, support and the chance to grow up free from fear.