Knifings continue to rise in UK

From the United Kingdom, that haven of politically correct dysfunction, we learn that:

(Photo: Heathcliff O'Malley / Telegraph)

The Sunday Telegraph has obtained data from 33 of the 43 forces in England and Wales, covering more than four-fifths of the population. The figures show that 20,803 serious knife crimes were recorded in the year to March, or 56 per day.

Allowing for forces that did not provide figures, the nationwide total is expected to be about 25,000. If Scotland and Northern Ireland attacks were included, it would be even higher.

The count includes only murders, stabbings where blood is spilt, and knife-point muggings. If less-serious crimes such as threats or illegal possession were included, the figures would be much higher.

Of course, the nonsense emanating from Brit politicians isn't likely to help matters.

Dominic Grieve, the shadow home secretary, said: “Most people will be shocked to find that knife crime has reached 20,000 cases a year. This illustrates the need to get police back on our streets by cutting the bureaucratic burden on them. There should be a presumption to imprison those caught with knives in excess of three inches in length without reasonable justification.” [emphasis added]

I'm pretty sure "self-defense" isn't a "reasonable jusification" in not-so-Great Britain.

[Home Secretary] Ms Smith said: “I am absolutely shocked at the tragic and senseless loss of life we have seen recently. I want to reassure everyone that the Government is taking the issue of knife crime very seriously.”

I'm sure Her Majesty's subjects will be pleased to learn that their government is taking the problem "very seriously."