BOLTON MP Tom Sackville is piloting a new crackdown on knives that would jail hundreds of blade wielding thugs.

The Junior Home Office Minister has played a key role in ensuring that a tough new law dealing with the growing problem reaches the statute book.

Mr Sackville has persuaded the Cabinet to back a Private Members Bill changing the law to force knife carriers to give good reason for their blade or face prison.

And he got the MP behind the Bill - Lady Olga Maitland - to dramatically increase the proposed penalties for knife thugs.

With the Government committed to making time for the Bill and Labour indicating they will support it, it is virtually certain to become law thanks to Mr Sackville's efforts.

Sutton and Cheam MP Lady Olga originally proposed to change the law so that instead of merely facing a fine for possession of a knife, where no criminal intent could be proved, the carrier would face six months jail.

Under Mr Sackville's direction anyone caught in possession of a knife in a public place will now have to give good reason for carrying it or face the prospect of a two year sentence.

The current maximum sentence for possession of a knife with criminal intent or intent to injure has been increased from two years to four.

The Bolton West MP then persuaded Home Secretary Michael Howard to back it and attended a cabinet committee where he got the Government to give it support and time.

Pressure for action against knives has increased since the stabbing of London Headmaster Phillip Lawrence.

Mr Sackville told the BEN: "I have been pressing for tougher penalties for the carrying of knives for some time. It is becoming more and more common and is a danger to both the public and the police.

"This Bill will undoubtedly make life safer both for ordinary citizens and for the police.

"The carrying of knives is a growing problem both in Bolton and elsewhere and something had to be done."

A total of 1,064 knives and other weapons were surrendered in Lancashire during a four-week amnesty declared after the murder of Mr Lawrence.

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