Scottish Labour have announced they would impose tougher regulation on the sale of knives in a bid to prevent knife crime.
Edinburgh North and Leith MP, Tracy Gilbert, says that the impact of this kind of crime is so severe, demanding stronger preventative action.
Tracy Gilbert MP said: “Knife crime cannot be normalised. The impact it has on families and communities is devastating, and the loss of John McNab is something that continues to be felt deeply across our community. No family should ever have to endure that pain.”
Ms Gilbert paid tribute to the late John McNab’s mum, Lisa Petrie, whose campaigning has led to bleed kits being installed in public spaces across the constituency and beyond.
John died after being injured on Great Junction Street on 2 September last year. Emergency services were called, but were unable to save him, and he died at the scene. A 16-year-old male was arrested and charged in connection with the death.
Since her son’s death, Lisa, a 44-year-old social care worker, has raised money for medical packs or emergency “bleed kits” which she hopes will save other lives.
Ms Gilbert said: “Lisa’s strength and determination in the face of unimaginable loss is extraordinary. Her work to bring bleed kits into our community is genuinely lifesaving, and it has already made a real difference. It shows what community action can achieve when people come together.”
But the MP stressed that while bleed kits are vital, they are not a substitute for prevention.
She said: “Bleed kits save lives, but they exist because violence has already occurred. Families should not be left to lead campaigns after tragedy strikes. We must do more to prevent knives from being used as weapons in the first place.”
Ms Gilbert welcomed a commitment from Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sarwar, to introduce enhanced knife safety measures and action to support young people.
She said:“It is reassuring that Anas Sarwar has committed to taking knife safety seriously. Strengthening controls on knife sales, alongside action on youth violence and mental health, is an important step towards breaking this cycle.
“Everyone in Edinburgh North and Leith deserves to feel safe in their own community.”
