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10/02/2006
Hanson takes knife crime 'seriously'
The government has today stated that it is to take the issue of tackling knife crime in Northern Ireland seriously.
Criminal Justice Minister David Hanson has supported the government's strategy in dealing with the matter and today said: “Knife crime is something the government takes very seriously and I am currently working in partnership with the police to devise a comprehensive strategy to deal with this issue."
The Minister continued by saying that government has already introduced the Violent Crime Reduction Bill, which will increase the age at which knives can be legally bought to 18.
On Wednesday, Home Secretary Charles Clarke announced a knife amnesty for England, Scotland and Wales.
Responding to calls for a similar legislation in Northern Ireland, David Hanson said: “We welcome the proposals for Great Britain and as part of the work that is taking place some form of scheme will be introduced to enable the public to dispose of knives in Northern Ireland. I will be looking at the potential of an amnesty as one of these measures."
He concluded that the government will also be looking at measures beyond knife disposal and that he hopes to be in a position to make an announcement relating to that subject in the near future.
(EF/SP)
Criminal Justice Minister David Hanson has supported the government's strategy in dealing with the matter and today said: “Knife crime is something the government takes very seriously and I am currently working in partnership with the police to devise a comprehensive strategy to deal with this issue."
The Minister continued by saying that government has already introduced the Violent Crime Reduction Bill, which will increase the age at which knives can be legally bought to 18.
On Wednesday, Home Secretary Charles Clarke announced a knife amnesty for England, Scotland and Wales.
Responding to calls for a similar legislation in Northern Ireland, David Hanson said: “We welcome the proposals for Great Britain and as part of the work that is taking place some form of scheme will be introduced to enable the public to dispose of knives in Northern Ireland. I will be looking at the potential of an amnesty as one of these measures."
He concluded that the government will also be looking at measures beyond knife disposal and that he hopes to be in a position to make an announcement relating to that subject in the near future.
(EF/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
