IN demanding tougher sentences for the perpetrators of knife-related crime, Britain's political leaders have, once again, sought a quick-fix when a more fundamental review is required.
The need to tackle this country's growing knife culture is self-explanatory following the recent spate of murders, and also growing concerns about the number of pupils attending Yorkshire schools equipped with offensive weapons.
However, this tre
nd is unlikely to be halted by moves to increase the maximum jail sentence for carrying a knife in public from four to five years. Such tinkering is unlikely to serve as a deterrent when criminals know that the courts are powerless to enforce the strict letter of the law because of the prison overcrowding crisis.
Yet the political posturing over sentencing policy overlooks the fact that there should be absolutely no need for individuals of whatever age to carry a knife in public unless they are a tradesman.
Indeed, it is the failure of the police and MPs to recognise this reality which has created a climate where many young people either regard knives as a fashion accessory or as a means of self-defence.
However, the inevitable consequence of more dangerous weapons being in the public domain is an increased likelihood that they will be used to maim or kill.
Halting the sale and distribution of knives must, therefore, go hand in hand with tougher sentences.
