Betty Williams

Labour Party | Conwy

Betty Williams MP Welcomes Government National Knife Amnesty

Conwy MP Betty Williams has welcomed the nationwide knives amnesty announced by Home Secretary, Charles Clarke. The amnesty, to be held between 24 May and 30 June, will be backed up by a tough police enforcement campaign to drive home the message that carrying knives is not acceptable.

Betty Williams MP has endorsed the drive to tackle knife crime and violence in the Conwy constituency and across the UK.

Betty Williams MP said:

“Previous amnesties like this have already taken deadly weapons off our streets.

“Often those who carry a knife or dangerous weapon mistakenly believe they are protecting themselves and have no intention of becoming a murderer – but coupled with drink or drugs these weapons all too often lead to bloodshed.

"The message is clear. Please do the right thing for your community, stop carrying knives and hand any you have over to the police. Remember this is a chance for you to come clean - but it is only for a limited time.”

The amnesty will target those who carry knives and offensive weapons. A public campaign supporting the amnesty will urge people to hand in their knives during the five week period, when they will be immune from prosecution for possessing them.

The Violent Crime Reduction Bill, currently before Parliament, is strengthening the laws on knives still further, and another meeting of the Home Office round-table focusing on gun, knife and gangs issues will be held in the spring.