Press Release
6th July 2005

McNeil Launches Knife Crackdown Petition
Local people are being asked to back moves to get knives off Inverclyde’s streets.  MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde, Duncan McNeil, has today launched a petition demanding that the Scottish Executive:  

• Doubles the maximum sentence for carrying a knife in public;
• Gives the police unconditional powers to arrest those suspected of carrying a knife;
• Increases the minimum age for buying a knife from 16 to 18;
• Introduces a licensing scheme for the sale of knives; and
• Bans the sale of swords.

Mr McNeil said:

“Too many people, especially in the West of Scotland, still harbour the bizarre notion that carrying a knife is somehow normal.  That culture must change.  Roaming the streets armed to the teeth is simply not acceptable and the law must reflect that.

“Proposals are on the table to strengthen the powers of the police and the courts and to make it more difficult to buy knives - but it is vital that they make it onto the statute books.

“We need, therefore, to let the Minister know that these moves have the strong support of our community and that we want them implemented as a matter of urgency.

“I would urge everyone who wants safer streets and fewer wasted lives to sign the petition and make their voice heard.”

The public consultation on the reform of the law relating to knife crime runs until 30th September 2005.

Constituents can sign the petition on-line, or obtain a petition form from Mr McNeil’s constituency office - (01475) 791820.
ENDS

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