'Invest in local communities to tackle knife crime and keep young Londoners safe'

  • By JackGraves

London Councils has responded to a new report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Knife Crime.

The report, which was produced with the support of the charities Barnardo’s and Redthread, highlights the perspectives of young people from across the country on knife crime and its causes.  

Cllr Jas Athwal, London Councils’ Executive Member for Crime & Public Protection, said:

“The capital faces an immense challenge in reducing knife crime and in ensuring all young Londoners feel safe. 

“This is a key priority for London boroughs. Alongside the police and other partners, we support a public health approach towards addressing this violence. As this report makes clear, many of our services – such as social care, safeguarding, and youth services – have a crucial contribution to make. 

“Boroughs are determined to take a proactive role, but we can’t escape the fact that London local authorities have endured a 63% loss of core government funding since 2010. The government needs to ensure councils have adequate resources for the frontline services that make such a difference in young people’s lives. 

“Investing in local communities is integral to tackling knife crime and keeping young Londoners safe.”

ENDS