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Huge support for Express & Star knife petition
More than 4,000 people have backed a campaign by the Express & Star calling for a ban on the sale of deadly knives.
It calls on Home Secretary Sajid Javid to review legislation regarding the sales of knives, swords, machetes and other weapons.
The campaign was launched in the wake of an investigation into the sale of weapons. We found lethal weapons, including a ‘long reach’ machete, can be purchased from shops in the Black Country – with only an ID required.
An address is asked for at the point of purchase, but not checked against a utility bill or driver’s licence.
Eight people have already been stabbed to death in the West Midlands in 2018 and arrests for knife possession are at their highest ever level. Violent crime across the region is up 30 per cent in the last nine years, according to the Home Office, with an 11 per cent rise in the last year alone.
The online petition has seen a surge of support this week after it has been shared across various social media outlets, with around 3,500 having signed the petition last night – with the numbers rising by the hour.
The campaign has also been backed by political leaders across the region, including Wolverhampton council leader Roger Lawrence, Dudley council leader Patrick Harley, Wolverhampton South East MP Pat McFadden and Dudley North MP Ian Austin.
Express & Star editor, Keith Harrison, said: “The response to our story andcampaign has been incredible and I would like to thank everyone for their support. More than 3,000 people have signed our petition so far and the number is rising on an hourly basis.
“I ask everybody who cares about public safety, particularly among the younger members of society, to take 30 seconds out of their day and help us achieve a real change.
“These weapons are truly horrific and should not be on sale over the counter in any civilised society.”
To sign the Express & Star’s petition, visit www.expressandstar.com
