Get knives off Hull's streets

Hull North MP Diana Johnson today joined Home Office Minister Liam Byrne to endorse a renewed drive to tackle knife crime and violence.

A nationwide knives amnesty will be held between 24 May and 30 June backed up by a tough police enforcement campaign to drive home the message that carrying knives is unacceptable.

The amnesty will target those who carry knives and offensive weapons. A public campaign supporting the amnesty will urge people to hand in their knives during the five week period, when they will be immune from prosecution for possessing them.

The Violent Crime Reduction Bill, currently before Parliament, will further strengthen the laws on knives.

Diana Johnson MP said:"Previous knife amnesties such as this have already taken many deadly weapons off the streets.

"Often those who carry a knife or dangerous weapon mistakenly believe they are protecting themselves. However, coupled with drink or drugs carrying these weapons too often lead to bloodshed.

"I appeal to people to use the amesty to hand in any knives that you have to the police. This is a chance to come clean, but it is only for a limited time."

"I am pleased that this amnesty is also being backed up by tough measures in the Violent Crime Reduction Bill, currently being discussed in Parliament, which will deter people from carrying knives."

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