Knife crime linked to council cuts says APPG - Cat Smith responds

Cat Smith MP, Shadow Minister for Youth Affairs, responding to a study by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Knife Crime linking rising knife crime to council cuts, said:

“This study is yet more evidence highlighting the devastating impact of austerity on our communities.

“Youth services transform the lives of young people by providing a safe place where they can go to develop friendships and engage in meaningful activities. 

“By slashing these vital services, the Tories have created the conditions in which crime can thrive, leaving young people more vulnerable to violence.

“Labour in government will introduce legislation to guarantee quality youth services for all of our young people and give our councils the funding they need to invest in our public services.”

Ends

Notes to Editors

Rising knife crime linked to council cuts, study suggests: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-48176397

The next Labour government will introduce a Statutory Youth Service: https://labour.org.uk/press/labour-announce-bold-vision-statutory-youth-services/