Petition · past parliament · Home Office

Introduce tougher sentences for knife crime

Closed 706 signatures

What the petition asks

For too long now people are getting away with light sentences when it comes to knife crime, including murder and attempted murder.
I propose that anyone caught in possession of a blade should be handed a 2 year custodial sentence.
For wounding/attempted murder - 10 years
And murder - 25 years
Knife crime appears to be on the up and not just in major cities but in towns and villages as well. It is almost as if youngsters see it as ‘trendy’ now to possess a blade.
Only through harsher sentences will they start to see sense. Suspended sentences and fines/community orders for possession of a blade aren't a big enough deterrent, and neither are the light sentences for wounding and attempted murder with a knife.
If changes aren’t made soon this is only going to get worse.

Timeline

17 Feb 2023 Petition opened for signatures
17 Aug 2023 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 706
Status Closed
Department Home Office
Opened 17 Feb 2023
Closed 17 Aug 2023

Follow this petition

Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.

Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.