Knife crime won’t fall unless we tackle the root causes such as supply, demand, enforcement, education and culture. That’s why I welcomed the Government’s Halving Knife Crime Action Plan and £26 million investment in detection and deterrents together with a rollout of Young Futures Hubs in 50 areas across the country.
The number of Section 60 stop and search orders introduced in the area show the risk is real, clear patterns of gang activity, and too many young people drawn into carrying knives and other weapons.
And today, what starts online can quickly turn into real-world violence, with devastating consequences.
Prevention can’t wait and neither can our young people. That’s why I’m calling for Oldham to be included in the roll out of Youth Futures Hubs and further investment in prevention overall.
If we invest in prevention we have a chance to break the cycle of harm.
Jim McMahon OBE MP 