Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what plans he has to bring forward legislative proposals to tackle knife crime; and if he will bring forward legislative proposals to prohibit the carrying of a knife.

There is comprehensive legislation in England and Wales to deal with knife crime. Unlawful possession of a knife or offensive weapon in a public place without good reason or lawful excuse is already a serious criminal offence, which carries a maximum four year custodial sentence.

Following the commencement in July of the relevant provisions in the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015, offenders convicted of a second offence of possession of a knife or offensive weapon and sentenced on or after 17 July 2015 face a minimum custodial sentence of six months, or four months if a young offender aged 16 or 17. The provisions of this Act make it absolutely clear that cautions should no longer be used for serious offences such as those involving a knife or offensive weapon.