A YORK MP has welcomed Government plans to take a tougher line on tackling knife crime.

Julian Sturdy, who represents York Outer, was one of several MPs who backed an amendment to the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill, which has now been accepted and will ensure anybody aged between 16 and 18 who is convicted of aggravated knife-carrying will face a mandatory six-month jail sentence.

“In recent years, the number of fatal knife-related offences have soared across the country, particularly among the younger generation,” said Mr Sturdy.

“Halting and reversing this tragic trend is essential and I am delighted the Government has accepted the amendment.

“At the moment, a high number of those convicted of knife crime are not jailed, and the Government’s decision to back this amendment sends out a loud, strong and very clear message that knife crime is simply unacceptable.”