Fatal stabbings up under Labour

The number of fatal stabbings has increased by more than a quarter since Labour came to power, Home Office statistics show.

The figures, requested by the Tories, reveal the number of people kicked or beaten to death has soared by more than half, and 28 per cent more people were shot dead in 2006/7 than in 1998/9.

Home Office minister Vernon Coaker disclosed in a written answer to MPs that there had been a 14 per cent increase in homicides during that period, from 646 to 734.

The Tories claimed the figures made a mockery of Labour claims that violent crime is lower than in 1997.

A Home Office spokesperson said: "The British Crime Survey shows that violent crime has fallen by a third over the past ten years and we are determined to drive it down further.

"We have recently published a violent crime action plan and have made it clear that anyone who considers carrying a firearm or other offensive weapons will be subject to swift, severe punishment."

They added: "But thankfully gun crime remains rare in this country and we will continue to support police and the courts to do whatever we can to keep weapons off our streets."

Shadow home secretary David Davis added: "Despite the Government's claims to the contrary it is clear that serious violent crime is spiralling out of control with tragic consequences for victims and families of victims up and down the country.

"Labour's complacency makes them part of the problem, not the solution."

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