Smith calls for greater focus on knife crime

29/10/07

Margaret Smith MSP has called on the Scottish Government to build on the good foundations left by the previous Executive and place a greater emphasis on tackling knife crime.  Figures reported today show that more than 2,200 weapons have been confiscated by police during a three week national crackdown on knife crime.

Commenting, the Edinburgh West MSP said:

“I congratulate the police for their excellent work over the last three weeks but echo comments from the Co-ordinator of Safer Scotland that a three-week campaign will not immediately sort out Scotland’s blade culture.

“In three days time, legislation placing further restrictions on who can buy and sell knives will come into force.  I want to see the Scottish Government build on this progress by introducing tougher sentences for carrying a knife.  Liberal Democrats would support a maximum seven year sentence for possession of knife.

“Too many lives have been lost or disfigured by the culture of violence in Scotland.  The Scottish Government must build on the good foundations left by the previous Executive to tackle the blade culture blighting Scotland’s streets.”