New Knife Powers

I applaud the Prime Minister's announcement that he wants the age at which you can prosecute for carrying a knife lowered to 16. It will give the Police more powers when they catch young people with dangerous weapons that end end lives. All the evidence suggests that those who carry knives are more likely to be stabbed themselves - so these powers may well be saving their lives as well.

However it must be said that this single measure may not do much. If young people involved in this culture are not squeamish about stabbing people to death either because they do not fully appreciate their actions or they have been driven to it by other forces then they will probably not take much notice of the fact that it is now possible to prosecute them for carrying the weapon.

I look forward to what comes next and hopefully a fully comprehensive package of measures can be introduced to end this horrific trend as soon as possible.