Issued: 16th January 2009

Scottish Parliament Set to Attack Knife Crime

As Scottish Parliament’s Petitions Committee prepares to host a debate on knife crime, union heads call for better protection for workers. 

The debate, brought about by John Muir after his son Damian was stabbed to death in 2007, aims to tackle the same issues union bosses have identified with.  The Petition Committee hopes to expand the debate on knife crime, and to get as many opinions as possible from key groups and the general public across Scotland.

Committee Convener Frank McAveety MSP today said: “The issues raised by Mr Muir’s petition are vitally important because sadly, they affect communities across Scotland.  We want to create an opportunity for victims and their families, health workers and the police, who all see the terrible consequences of knife crime, to come together with policy makers, the legal profession and others to discuss knife crime.  In some way I hope that together we can develop and influence thinking and address key issues such as how effective the law is in tackling knife crime.

“This is an opportunity to hear the views of people most closely effected by knife crime or as John Muir put it to the committee – the people at the sharp of the boat.”

The results of the debate are set to be submitted to the Scottish Government to consider as part of its forth coming Criminal Justice and Licensing Bill.

Managing Director of ASEO, a protective equipment company that supply to NHS workers, Rob Kaiser, today said:  “It’s great to see the committee take a stand and fight against knife crime.  If it prevents even one fatal stabbing it will be worth while.  We should follow this lead.

“It is a sad fact that knife crime will always be prevalent in today’s society, so I will carry on supplying protective equipment to at least try to prevent fatalities.”

If you would like more information on this topic or to contact Mr. Robert Kaiser
please call 01765 692550, fax 01765 606274 or email
Lydia Hardy at lh@aseo-europe.com