Action needed to tackle root causes of knife crime - Brown

12.01.39am GMT Sat 24th Jan 2009

Commenting after attending a summit in the Scottish Parliament on knife crime, Liberal Democrat Justice spokesperson Robert Brown said:

Robert Brown MSP"This was a superb event that clearly established the need to base answers to knife crime on what works to stop people carrying and using knives. Prison is necessary to protect the public in the most serious cases, but simply does not work in deterring individuals as three quarters reoffend when they come out.

"The causes of knife crime are complex and there is no one magic answer, but Liberal Democrats want action which makes a difference.

"By opening Council facilities in the evening, supporting youth organisations, and investing in initiatives like the Serve Project we will be better able to divert young people away from knives, violence and a life of crime."