(South East Cornwall) (Con):
What steps she is taking to reduce knife crime.
The Minister for Crime, Policing and the Fire Service (): We are determined to tackle
the scourge of knife crime. We are recruiting 20,000 more police
officers, increasing police funding, making it easier for the
police to use stop-and-search, and ensuring that more
perpetrators go to prison for longer. We have legislated through
the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 and knife crime prevention orders
to help take more knives off the street. We are also introducing
the serious violence Bill, which will put a duty on police,
councils and health authorities to prevent and reduce serious
violence.
Mrs Murray: Last month, a young man tragically lost his life in
Liskeard after being stabbed. What action is being taken to get
knives off our streets in towns and rural areas?
: First, I offer my
condolences to the bereaved family. It is a terrible event to
happen and I know it will have shocked everyone in the town.
Happily, I understand that an investigation is ongoing and an
arrest has been made, and we await the outcome of that
investigation. As my hon. Friend, who has fought hard for
resources for her constituency, will know, Devon and
Cornwall Police will receive more funding next year and
will be able to recruit 141 additional officers in the first
year, as part of the 20,000 police officer uplift. I hope they
will be put to good use to prevent exactly this sort of incident.
