The Liberal Democrats have warned that Westminster is becoming blind to the regional knife crime crisis, after revealing 3,400 incidents in the last twelve months.
The party is calling for “immediate nationwide action” to pull Manchester back from breaking point after revealing 3,400 incidents of knife crime in the last twelve months.
A BBC Panorama special investigation revealed the scale of the national crisis last night.
But new figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats show a staggering 3,400 knife crimes in Manchester in the last 12 months alone.
Liberal Democrat MEP Jane Brophy warned that Westminster’s obsession with London is pushing Manchester to breaking point:
“Knife crime is often portrayed as an issue that only affects London but here in the North West, we are approaching breaking point.
“These figures clearly show the problem is hitting other cities too and I’m terrified that Westminister is becoming blind to knife crime anywhere outside of London.
“Brexit may be making the headlines but families are being torn apart. The Government must not be distracted by Brexit and take immediate action.
“Tackling this issue will require serious investment, resources, tenacity, compassion and time. But we must make our streets safe and it must be a priority.”
Leader of the Liberal Democrats in Manchester, John Leech added that the concerted effort must be focussed on regions, not London:
“Knife crime is an issue affecting communities up and down the country but the limelight has been too focused on London. Here in Manchester, our communities are facing the same issues, as these terrifying figures show.
“There must be an urgent and immediate concerted regional effort to stop knife crime by investing in prevention, education and increased police officers.
