James Cunningham

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MP Jim calls for national knife ammnesty

JIM Cunningham has called for a knives amnesty to be introduced – based on a previous Coventry Evening Telegraph campaign.

Speaking in the Commons, the Coventry South MP urged ministers to discuss with local police forces the possibility of a voluntary amnesty on a national basis.
Mr Cunningham told Home Office minister Vernon Coaker: “Some years ago, the Coventry Evening Telegraph, together with the police, introduced a voluntary amnesty, which was very successful.”
In response, Mr Coaker said a knives amnesty was a matter for local police forces, but the Government “is prepared to consider any representations that we receive with respect to that or any other matter, including antisocial behaviour orders.”
Speaking after the debate, Mr Cunningham said he recently visited a branch of Asda in Coventry to discuss the steps taken to keep knives out of the hands of young people.

Asda has recently raised the age of sale limit to purchase knives and cigarettes to 18 years of age. The legal purchase limit for these items is currently 16.

Mr Cunningham said: “The Coventry Evening Telegraph knives campaign was very successful and I would like to see a similar thing implemented nation wide.

“Tackling knife crime is extremely important and police need to be given every power possible to protect the community.”