Clarification sought on introduction of Knife Crime Prevention Orders

Following the recent announcement from the Home Secretary, Sajid Javid on the introduction of Knife Crime Prevention Orders to the Offensive Weapons Bill, the Opposition is seeking further details on the Government's plans. The prevention orders will be Asbo-style orders designed to tackle knife violence in the UK.

Home Office Minister Victoria Atkins told the House that the Orders had come about as those on the frontline of dealing with knife crime have requested additional powers of intervention to deal with the issue. The Orders "are aimed at young people who are at risk of engaging in knife crime". She went on to say:

"The amendments to the Offensive Weapons Bill, which introduce these orders, are due to be considered in the other place in detail this Wednesday. The Bill will, of course, return to this House after it has completed its passage through the Lords, and I hope all Members on both sides of the House will lend their full support to this important new preventive measure when the Bill returns to this place."

Vernon Coaker, MP for Gedling, heavily criticised Home Secretary Sajid Javid for not responding to the question himself. He also questioned whether new laws were needed to deal with knife crime, rather than stronger enforcement of existing laws. He stated:

"How will knife crime prevention orders tackle the huge crisis facing our country? Instead of introducing the orders, the Home Secretary should be chairing Cobra. This is a national emergency. This is a national crisis. Up and down the country people will wonder why the Government are not using the full force of the state to tackle it. They need to help the young people who are having problems with knife crime and tackle the criminal gangs who ruthlessly exploit them."

• Watch Parliament TV: urgent question on knife crime prevention orders
• Read Commons Hansard: urgent question on Knife Crime Prevention Orders
• Find out more about the Offensive Weapons Bill

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