Labour renews demand to get tougher on knife crime

Published on Monday 14 December 2009 19:00

LABOUR has stepped up its calls for tougher sentences for knife crime.

It followed a meeting in Glasgow, which the party said showed overwhelming public demand for action.

Labour staged the event as part of its campaign for mandatory jail terms for anyone caught carrying a knife.

Those taking part included John Muir, whose son Damian was killed in Greenock two years ago.

Glasgow Labour MSPs Margaret Curran, Frank McAveety and Paul Martin said they had heard "powerful and moving" testimonies from those who lived with the reality of knife crime.

Ms Curran said: "With criminal justice legislation going through the parliament, the time is right to hear about what is happening in local communities. Today was an opportunity for Labour MSPs to listen to the victims of knife crime, and ensure that we put their needs and views first."

She went on: "There was a very clear message that there are far too many knives on our streets that are used far too freely, with absolutely devastating consequences. The time for action is now."

But the Scottish Government retorted that Labour's call was not reflected in action by the Westminster government.