The impact of knife crime is often, tragically, all too apparent in local communities and it is an issue I recently raised with Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt MP, Leader of the House of Commons.
So I welcome the announcement this week from the Government to ban machetes and zombie-style knives.
The police will be given extra powers to seize and destroy any weapons they find, with the sentence for the importation, manufacture, possession and sale of these weapons to be increased to up to 2 years.
A new offence will also be launched to target those who possess such weapons with up to 2 years in prison if caught.
Community initiatives and education are also key in the campaign to prevent knife crime, and I will continue to raise these issues with Ministers in Parliament.