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A mother from Edinburgh, mourning the loss of her son who was fatally stabbed six months ago, has successfully urged the Scottish government to examine stricter controls surrounding knife sales. Lisa Petrie began advocating for these changes after her 22-year-old son, John McNab, died in Leith last September. Her campaign focuses on removing knives from open shelves and instead having them stored in locked cabinets behind shop counters to reduce the risk of theft.
Following a meeting with Petrie at the Scottish Parliament, Justice Secretary Angela Constance committed to instruct officials to investigate further actions that could be taken. This would involve collaboration between local councils, police forces, and retailers to find effective ways to prevent knives from falling into the wrong hands. A 16-year-old has been charged with murder in connection with John’s death, which has deeply affected the local community.
Lisa, a 44-year-old care support worker, has expressed her determination to keep pushing for change in her son’s memory. “I need to do it for John,” she said. “John has given me the strength to keep going, and if I can make change for him, I’ve got to keep going.” Her campaign has gained significant support, including a standing ovation from councillors at Edinburgh’s city chambers and her addressing hundreds of students at Fettes College, where she formerly worked as a cleaner. Over 53,000 people have signed her petition advocating for improved knife sale security. Additionally, Lisa has distributed 37 bleeding control kits across Edinburgh to assist in emergency situations involving severe bleeding.
After her meeting with the justice minister, Lisa shared her thoughts on the issue, drawing a parallel between knife sales and the way computer games are handled in stores. “Computer games are in empty boxes, and you don’t get the game until you’ve purchased it, and the sales assistant goes and gets it for you,” she said. “Why can’t it be the same for knives? This way kids won’t be able to get hold of them and steal them.” When asked about potential critics of tighter regulations, she responded, “How would you feel if you had lost your kid? That’s the only answer I can give – if I can make change, where knives are going to be less accessible on our streets, why wouldn’t I?”
Justice Secretary Angela Constance praised Lisa’s bravery and her campaign, highlighting the government’s commitment to exploring further steps to prevent knives from being misused. “She has made an ask of me and the Scottish government to explore what further steps can be taken to ensure that knives don’t end up in the wrong hands, in the wrong circumstances,” Constance said. She confirmed that officials have been commissioned to look into the matter and that consultations will take place with local authorities, police, and retailers to determine the best course of action.
Locally elected MSP Ben Macpherson acknowledged the impact of John McNab’s death on the community of Leith. He stated that although knives are common household items, stricter retail measures should be considered by large retailers. In addition, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has promised that if his party wins the next election, his government will mandate that all knives be kept in locked cabinets or behind service counters. Sarwar also intends to require security tags on all knife packaging and revisit the laws governing the sale of domestic knives to under-18s. Unlike England and Wales, Scotland allows individuals aged 16 and 17 to purchase certain knives for domestic use.
Recent statistics published by Scotland’s chief statistician reveal a 3% increase in total recorded crimes last year, amounting to 308,532 offences. Within that figure, non-sexual violent crimes rose by 5%, with weapon-related crimes increasing by 13%. Despite these increases, murders and culpable homicides fell by 4%, and serious assaults and attempted murders decreased by 2%. Lisa Petrie and likeminded campaigners have called for tougher punishments for knife possession. The SNP government previously raised the maximum sentence for carrying a knife from four to five years in 2016. Justice Secretary Constance noted that sentences for violent and weapon-related crimes are lengthening, with offenders spending more time in custody
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