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People are entitled to feel afraid of knives, says Smith
Benedict Moore-Bridger23.09.08
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith was criticised today after she said people were "entitled" to feel afraid of knife crime.
The Tories claimed it was an "astonishing admission" that the Government had failed to tackle the problem.
In an interview Ms Smith said: "Of course they are entitled to feel unsafe. I want to help them feel more confident.
"I understand why people are worried when they see, particularly, young people using knives on other young people, and some of the tragic deaths we have seen.
That is why we need to be very tough with enforcement and send out a clear message: 'You will not make yourself safer by carrying a knife'." Shadow home secretary Dominic Grieve said Ms Smith's admission showed "just how badly Labour have failed on knife crime".
Reader views (6)
It's so reassuring and comforting to know I have Jacqui's approval to be afraid of knife crime. Thank you for "entitling" me, Ms. Smith, as I'm sure Labour has in mind a severe fine for anyone holding a non-approved view.
- R M, London, UK
My cousin was killed to this senseless crime, has this woman experienced such pain, she probably should have been at the People's March on Saturday at Hyde Park. She makes me sick.
- Feeling The Same Pain, LONDON
you don't need to be scared of knives, it's the people with knives you should keep your eye on.
- Nu, london
Thanks for sharing that with us all jakeeeee.
- N Grinsell, london
How is this woman still in this job!!
- Charlie, London
In an interview Ms Smith said: "Of course they are entitled to feel unsafe. I want to help them feel more confident.
Great Jacqui. Are you going to equip us all with body armour. Failing that just quit your job and take the rest of the inmates with you.
- Jimbob, Kensington
