Douglas Alexander MP

Labour MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South

LOCAL MP BACKS ‘NO KNIVES BETTER LIVES’ CAMPAIGN

Following discussions today with senior officers the local MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South, Douglas Alexander, added his support to the recently launched ‘No Knifes, Better Lives’ campaign while calling on the Scottish Government to re-think their policy on sentencing.
 
Douglas Alexander MP said:
 
“I welcome this campaign. It is vital that we highlight the scourge of the blade culture on our local community and I hope this message will resonate. 
 
“But tackling knife crime requires more than a soundbite, we need words backed up by action. There were almost 2,000 victims of knife crime last year and the number of people losing their life as a result of a knife attack reached a record high.
 
“I pay tribute to the members of Renfrewshire Youth Voice for their courage and commitment in demanding tougher action from the Scottish government.

“The culture of carrying a knife has caused so much heartache, here in Renfrewshire and across Scotland and I hope the ‘No Knives, Better Lives’ message will make those caught up in the blade culture think again.

“But this campaign must not be considered an alternative to tough legal action against those convicted of knife offenses. 

“We need a mixed approach to tackling knife crime – targeted education and diversion alongside tough penalties for those who offend. Under the SNP more than two thirds of those convicted of carrying a knife walk away without a custodial sentence.

Also speaking in support of the campaign which was rolled out across Renfrewshire last week Superintendent Niven Rennie said:

"Any steps taken to reduce violence in our communities and the number of knives coming onto our streets is a positive step and one that we actively welcome. 

"We also welcome support from members of our communities and their political representatives in making Renfrewshire a safer place to live and work in."