Ipswich MP calls for more to be done to tackle knife crime
Jack Abbott has written to Suffolk Police with the hopes of working to create a new approach to address the issue.
Today, (Monday 21st October), the Labour MP for Ipswich, Jack Abbott, MP has written to Tim Passmore, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk, calling for the establishment of a Suffolk Knife Crime Coalition.
In his letter, he applauded the work Suffolk Police has done, and welcomed the government’s pledge to halve knife crime in a decade but feels the approach locally needs to "evolve" to deal with an " “ever-changing set of challenges”.
This follows recent high-profile incidents of knife crime in Ipswich, including the murders of James Quigley in 2023 and Courtney Mitchell in July 2024.
In the letter, Mr Abbott said: Sadly, we have suffered from instances of knife crime in our town, including the tragic murders of Courtney Mitchell in July of this year, and James Quigley in January 2023." "These incidents cut two young lives tragically short and illustrate the imperative of tackling knife crime in a multi-faceted and urgent manner."
"I am pleased that there has been progress on tackling county lines, for example, and I applaud the diligent response of our emergency services in the aftermath of knife crime."
"The recently announced ban on zombie-style knives was a crucial first step and will be closely followed by a ban on ninja swords"
"Building on these national initiatives, I am writing to you to invite you to join me in establishing a Suffolk Knife Crime Coalition."
"This Coalition will bring together local political institutions, the police and other relevant stakeholders from across Suffolk - including educational and youth professionals - to review and refresh existing local strategies."
Important work has already begun locally, and I know that there are current strategies in place, but to deal with what is an ever-changing set of challenges, our approach needs to evolve.
I am sure that you will agree that we need a local multi-agency approach to supplement the direction that is being taken nationally. I believe our Coalition will provide us with a renewed focus to help rid our streets of violent crime."