I am the mother of a victim of knife crime, and I have witnessed unbearable pain in my community. My son has suffered, and my friend's 15-year-old grandson's life was tragically ended by a knife. Just recently, a young man of 38, confined to his wheelchair, had his existence brutally cut short due to a knife attack. These crimes are committed primarily by young males who seem to have no regard for life. They need to face more severe consequences.

The pain of grandparents being forced to bury their grandchildren is unimaginable and unacceptable, and it's a sentiment that is all too common in our society today. This heartbreaking cycle must stop. The government has the power and responsibility to send a strong, powerful message and show these offenders that their actions will not be tolerated. Increasing the sentencing penalties for knife and gun crimes can help accomplish this.

According to the Office of National Statistics, there were 256 knife and sharp instrument offences resulting in death or injury per 100,000 population in 2019/20, a shocking increase from previous years (ONS, 2020). This number is more than just a statistic – it represents real lives cut short, families torn apart, communities in mourning. These are lives we can save if we band together and urge the government to take a stronger stance against such crimes.

I implore you, from the depths of a mother's heart that has experienced this horrific ordeal, heed my cry. Enough is enough. Please, sign this petition and help us show the government that we need stronger sentences for those who decide to end a life with a knife or a gun.