Sale of Knives

Lord Bishop of London Excerpts

Tuesday 8th October 2019 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

What I do agree with is that the issues of knife crime are complex, many and varied.

[The Lord Bishop of London]

My Lords, as the Bishop of London, knife crime is of huge concern to me and a source of great sorrow. I thank the noble Baroness for her response regarding the “No Points” campaign. However, research undertaken by the Home Office Scientific Development Branch showed that round knives had significantly less penetration capability than pointed knives and are therefore less likely to be life-threatening. Will the noble Baroness comment on how the Government are responding to the advice given by the Scientific Development Branch?

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

I thank the right reverend Prelate for that question. On round versus pointed knives, as I said to the noble Baroness, it is not necessarily the point that is lethal, hence machetes. The legislation is not the only solution in tackling this problem.