XLP pleads for joined up thinking to tackle knife crime

Yesterday, the government introduced a new law to clamp down on zombie-style knives. Whilst XLP are pleased the government is making it harder to buy these knives, we also know that without sustained investment, we won’t see the reduction in knife crime or serious youth violence that we all hope for.

The government is right to say the numbers are down, but the recent rise in youth violence should cause more alarm and based on current figures, we are rapidly moving back towards pre-pandemic levels.
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To see a long-term, sustainable solution to the problem of serious youth violence, we need more youth services: more paid youth workers and more open youth clubs. The 75% cut in youth services since 2010 correlates directly with an increase in youth violence.

WE CAN'T LEGISLATE OUR WAY OUT OF THE SITUATION

We can’t legislate our way out of the situation and banning the sale of knives will only be part of the answer. It’s great that the new law brings the discussion to the public eye for a few days at least. But we need partnerships – the Violence Reduction Unit, schools and Pupil Referral Units, social services, local authorities, police, charities… all working together. We need a sustained commitment by local authorities and central government to fund youth services for the long-haul.
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And we really need it now.

A youth worker with a young person they are supporting