February 16th

LOCAL MPs MADELEINE MOON AND HUW-IRRANCA –DAVIES agree with the “need to free our streets from the blight of knife crime"

MPs Madeleine Moon and Huw Irranca-Davies welcome the Governments National Knife Amnesty initiative, announced today by the Home Secretary Charles Clarke.

A nationwide knives amnesty will be held between 24 May 2006 and 30 June 2006, backed up by a tough police enforcement campaign to drive home the message that carrying knives is not acceptable.

Local MP’s Madeleine and Huw endorsed the drive to tackle knife crime and violence in the Bridgend and Ogmore constituencies and across the UK.

Mrs Moon said:

“This knife amnesty is about creating safer streets throughout the Bridgend and Ogmore Constituencies. Previous amnesties like this have already taken deadly weapons off the streets.

“Often those who carry a knife or dangerous weapon mistakenly believe they are protecting themselves and have no intention of becoming a murderer – but coupled with drink or drugs these weapons all too often lead to bloodshed.

Mr Irranca-Davies added:

  "Please to do the right thing for your community, stop carrying knives and hand any you have over to the police.  Remember this is a chance for you to come clean - but it is only for a limited time.” 

The amnesty will target those who carry knives and offensive weapons.  A public campaign supporting the amnesty will urge people to hand in their knives during the five week period, when they will be immune from prosecution for possessing them.”