Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by James Clappison (Conservative). It was answered on Monday, 14 July 2008 on behalf of the Home Office.

Police Patrols

Question: Among other things, we need more police patrols to detect knife crime. However, do not police patrols and detection need to be backed up by effective penalties? On 4 August, new magistrates courts sentencing guidelines will deem that a fine is an adequate sentence for possessing a knife. Will Ministers seek the withdrawal of those flawed and inadequate guidelines? If Ministers themselves express no confidence in the guidelines, how can the public have any confidence in—

Answer: The sentencing guidelines make it clear, as has the new Lord Chief Justice Sir Igor Judge, that knife crime is a serious crime that in many cases should result in custody. Of course, someone is now three times more likely to end up in custody for possession of a knife and more likely to receive a longer custodial sentence. We are taking tougher action, both on sentences and on making sure that people are caught for possession or use of knives in the first place.

Secondary information