Ben Everitt MP and Iain Stewart MP have invited the Home Secretary, Priti Patel, to Milton Keynes to discuss the ongoing issue of knife crime in the city.
The local MPs have written a joint letter to the Secretary of State sharing their concern over the rise of knife crime in MK.
Both Ben and Iain have recently met with Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, and local police officers in Oldbrook and Ashland respectively to discuss violent crime, the causes and potential solutions.
They have welcomed the news that, by the end of March, Thames Valley Police will have more officers than ever before but know more still needs to be done to tackle knife crime locally.
Ben Everitt, the MP for Milton Keynes North, said: “I understand the concerns of members of the public around knife crime in Milton Keynes and I’m determined to make our city a safer place to live.
“We’ve already recruited more officers in MK over the last two years and that recruitment process is continuing, while Thames Valley Police has received funding for its Violence Reduction Unit from the Government so I’m pleased action is being taken.
“But we need to do more and that’s why I’ve written to Priti Patel urging her to come to Milton Keynes so we can address the issue of knife crime.
"I'm pushing the Home Office and Thames Valley Police for a much tougher response. If you carry a knife in Milton Keynes you should expect to be locked up."
Iain Stewart, the MP for Milton Keynes South, commented: “In my Build Back Better in Milton Keynes South Survey, 39% of respondents said that tackling crime and anti-social behaviour should be prioritised as a local issue.
“That is why I have recently written to the Home Secretary, Priti Patel, and met with the Thames Valley Police and Crime commissioner, Matthew Barber, to see what more can be done to tackle knife crime in Milton Keynes.
“I will continue to work with them both to make sure all residents feel safe and secure in their communities!”
