Business of the House

Janet Daby Excerpts

Thursday 8th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

If the hon. Gentleman gives me details of the case, I will make sure that the matter is taken up with the appropriate Ministers. Although these issues are to be decided locally, this is public money, so if Ministers can do anything to help resolve the situation, that would be appropriate.

[Janet Daby (Lewisham East) (Lab)]

Happy new year to you and your staff, Mr Speaker.

I have some pleasing news: knife attacks in Lewisham have reduced by 23% over the last year, which is to be celebrated. I thank the council, the police, our Mayor of London and all the local community organisations that have helped to achieve this and to bring more peace to our streets. However, you will probably remember, Mr Speaker, that last year, there were two deaths due to knife crime in my constituency. Any knife crime, and of course any fatality, is awful news that nobody wants to hear. Can we have a Government statement on progress since the announcement on the coalition to tackle knife crime in September 2024, and on the knife crime action plan promised in the Labour manifesto?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I join my hon. Friend in thanking everyone involved in this initiative. There is a long way to go, but important progress is being made. Tackling knife crime is a top priority for this Government, although there are still too many cases. Knife crime overall has fallen for the first time in four years, but there is a great deal more to do. The coalition to tackle knife crime has helped to shape key policies, including the ninja sword ban and the online sales review. However, I will draw her remarks to the attention of Home Office Ministers. We are bringing forward further measures in the Crime and Policing Bill to the strengthen legislation on knives.