London needs ‘smarter solutions’ to tackle gang violence according to Mayor of London Boris Johnson. Speaking at the Gangs Guns and Weapons Practitioners Forum annual seminar the Mayor raised concerns about vulnerable young people being lured into criminal gangs.
Mr Johnson also promised that his Youth Violence Strategy would include ‘hard hitting’ new plans to tackle crime.
Speaking today Johnson said he was “filled with despair every time I read about another fatal stabbing or shooting It is a tragedy that 27 teenagers have become victims of knife and gun crime this year. Enough is enough – I am adamant that this violence must stop.”
Announcing that his strategy will be launched in November, Mayor Johnson stressed the importance of councils, schools and police working together to produce “a coordinated response to youth violence in London.”
“There will be several themes within the strategy including employment skills and education, which are vital in providing young people with the opportunities needed to succeed in life.”
