The Mayor of London, , has today called for the
Government to introduce a "zero-tolerance approach" to combat
acid attacks following a number of assaults in the capital.
Ahead of a parliamentary debate taking place today on acid
attacks, Sadiq is calling for an urgent comprehensive programme
to tackle these barbaric crimes.
While acid attacks are relatively rare occurrences, there has
been an increase in incidents in the capital in recent months.
Last Thursday night, five linked acid attacks that took place in
less than 90 minutes in East London. One teenager has now been
charged with 15 offences while another has been released on bail.
Recently, there has been a sharp increase in the number of recent
acid attacks associated with a new trend of extremely violent and
aggressive organised scooter theft. This is particularly
frightening for those who ride a scooter in London.
In particular, the Mayor wants to see:
- Tougher
sentences for those who carry acid. The Mayor believes that
current sentencing in this area has not kept up with developments
and needs to be tougher.
- Sentencing
guidelines clarified for judges so that those found guilty of
committing acid attacks get the punishment they deserve.
- A clampdown on
the sale of corrosive substances. While the Mayor recognises this
will be complex as many of the acids used are common domestic
cleaning products, some are more harmful industrial products
which may need greater restrictions placed on who can access
them.
- Additional
support for victims. The impact of acid attacks is particularly
devastating given the disfiguring and lifelong scarring that can
be caused. Extra emotional support is crucial. The Mayor
recognises the severe emotional impact on victims of those
attached and their families and will be reviewing the victim
services commissioned to ensure that the right level of support
long term is available. He also wants to ensure that all victims
are offered the opportunity to use victim statements supporting
them through the Criminal justice system, reducing their need to
re-tell their attack or appear in court.
The Mayor of London, , said: "Acid attacks are callous
and horrific and my thoughts are with all those affected. The
emotional impacts of disfiguring and lifelong scarring are truly
devastating for innocent victims.
“The Metropolitan Police take these attacks extremely seriously
and are doing everything in their power to tackle them. However,
we need a new zero-tolerance approach as a country if we are to
rid the streets of this scourge.
"I am pleased that the Home Secretary seems willing to take
action and I urge her to change the law to recognise people
are now carrying these dangerous substances with the intention of
using them as an offensive weapon. I also want to see the
introduction of tougher sentencing for those who think that is
acceptable to do so.
"We also need to make sure there is better control over access to
these substances. Just like a knife can be used lawfully in our
kitchens or unlawfully by criminals, many of us use household
cleaning products in our daily life. We now have to say to
manufacturers and those in retail that they need to be more
responsible and that means Government looking at a change in how
these products are sold.
"It is also important that we clarify sentencing guideline for
judges so that the full force of the law can be applied to those
committing these truly appalling and life changing crimes.
"I encourage all victims of this horrific crime to come forward
and report them to the police so they can take action."
