Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what discussions she has had with Police Service Northern Ireland on the level of knife crime in Northern Ireland; and what steps are being taken to tackle knife crime in Northern Ireland.

I recognise the public concern caused by knife crime attacks across the UK and the impact such attacks have had on local communities. The Offensive Weapons Bill aims to tackle knife crime, through measures including the introduction of Knife Crime Prevention Orders, which will give the police additional powers of intervention in dealing with young people who are most at risk of being involved in knife crime. The Rt hon Member will be aware that in Northern Ireland, knife crime is a devolved matter, and is the responsibility of the Department of Justice. My officials continue to support constructive engagement on the Bill with officials in the Devolved Administration.