If Priti Patel had doubted the scale of the knife crime crisis, she shouldn’t any more.
A devoted dad slain outside a Greggs in Newcastle, a teenager stabbed in the middle of the afternoon in London and a bloodied victim being helped by police just outside the Home Secretary’s own Westminster office.
Each of these three shocking assaults is a tragedy in its own right.
Collectively, they are a damning indictment of the Government’s failure to get a grip on blade culture.
Statistics repeatedly show an epidemic that has spiralled out of control.
But the heartbreaking tribute from Peter Duncan’s grieving family underlines the personal impact of each weapon’s blow.
“Words can’t quite describe what life will be like without him. He had so much of his life left to live and he’ll be in our hearts and thoughts every day.”
A loving dad is gone, ripped from his family by a single, devastating act.
Our knife plague has claimed too many victims. It is time for an end to the bloodshed.
Think again
Jeremy Corbyn’s audacious bid to be PM has, predictably, divided opinion.
The Labour leader’s plan to oust Boris Johnson and swoop into Downing Street has many holes – but at least he is trying.
Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson’s claim she would do anything to block a no-deal Brexit except support a PM Corbyn is more Meat Loaf than serious stateswoman. Extraordinary times call for extraordinary actions.
While the Labour chief’s latest path to No10 is littered with hazards, he has suggested a route out of the chaos. It is not good enough for MPs to simply sit on the sidelines carping.
If they really want to stop us crashing out they must think outside their comfort zones.
Their level best
Congratulations to all those celebrating A-level results and heading to university.
And fear not if you didn’t quite make the grade – there are always other options.
