Briefing on the Offensive Weapons Bill

The Standing Committee for Youth Justice and the Prison Reform Trust have published a joint briefing ahead of the House of Lords debate on the Offensive Weapons Bill.

The briefing recognises public concern about the rise of some violent crimes in inner city areas, but warns this bill will be ineffective at tackling the causes of such violent behaviour.

The briefing raises concern that the measures in the bill, including the proposals for a Knife Crime Prevention Order (KCPO), will increase the use of ineffective short mandatory minimum custodial sentences; create legal uncertainty; are likely to impact black, Asian and minority ethnic communities disproportionality and further damage trust in the justice system.

Briefing on the Offensive Weapons Bill