I am writing this from Runcorn, a town just 30 miles south of Southport. The heart-wrenching event of July 29th that claimed the lives of three innocent children aged 6, 7, and 9, and injured many more, and I am sure many others, seeking justice. The horrific attack committed within our peaceful community has forced us all to drastically confront the reality of knife violence.

Knife attacks are not isolated to Southport. According to the Office for National Statistics, recorded crimes involving a knife or sharp instrument have been increasing since 2014. In the year 2019/2020, they reported 46,265 offences, with the highest number concentrated in urban areas (ONS, 2020). We must pull together to ensure that our towns and cities do not continue contributing to this alarming statistic.

We, as in the Taylor Swift community, have raised around £125,000 for Alder Hey and Southport so far, this is including giftaid. https://www.justgiving.com/page/swifties-for-southport

Through this petition, we demand the enforcement of stricter knife control laws. It's crucial that we do more to regulate the sale and possession of knives, implement stronger penalties for knife-related crimes, and invest in programs that educate the public about the consequences of knife violence.

This is not just a plea; it is a demand for justice not only for the young girls who tragically lost their lives but for every family, every friend, and every individual who has suffered and continues to suffer as a result of knife violence. We cannot stand by and let our sorrow go unanswered.

Please show your support and demand a stronger response to knife crime. Sign this petition today.