In Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton, we know all too well the devastating impact knife crime, gang activity and child criminal exploitation can have on young people and families.
So, I welcome the Government’s new “Protecting Lives, Building Hope” plan to halve knife crime, a serious and necessary step forward in tackling the root causes of youth violence in our communities.
The plan looks to support young people so they get a better start in life, stop those at risk from turning to knife crime, properly police our streets to punish perpetrators and stop offending, and ultimately to end the cycle of knife crime.
Over recent years, I’ve consistently raised these issues in Parliament, including concerns about number of local Section 60 (stop and search) orders needed in recent years, the need for stronger early intervention, and better coordination between police, schools and youth services.
In addition to meetings with local police in Oldham on this issue, I’ve also had the opportunity to meet with the Violence Reduction Unit in Greater Manchester and during a visit to the team in London, to hear what disruption interventions work best on the ground.
Early intervention and prevention. Every child caught carrying a knife will now receive a mandatory, tailored plan through Youth Justice Services to stop reoffending and address root causes.
A public health approach. Bringing together education, health, policing and community services to support young people before they are drawn into crime.
Targeted action in hotspot areas. Using data and new technology to focus resources where they are most needed, including schools and neighbourhoods at highest risk.
Stronger enforcement alongside prevention. Continued action to remove knives from our streets and tackle illegal sales, backed by national coordination.
Just as important is sustained investment in youth services. In areas like ours, youth provision has too often been hollowed out, despite the clear link between safe spaces, trusted adults and lower levels of crime. The plan’s commitment to expanding youth hubs, mentoring and support programmes must translate into real funding reaching communities like Oldham, Chadderton and Royton, building on local partnerships already working hard to support young people at risk of exploitation and gang involvement.
Nationally knife crime is down, and over 60,000 dangerous items have been taken off the streets. We’ve long argued that enforcement alone is not enough. Our communities must see real investment on the ground, with local partners empowered to act and young people given the support they need to choose a different path.
Jim McMahon OBE MP 