Only 20 MPs turn up for Commons debate on violence

Only 20 MPs turned up for a Commons debate on the menace of knife crime this afternoon.

Despite unprecedented concern about killings in London and around the country, the chamber was almost deserted.

Many, it seemed, had greater priorities on a sunny Thursday when there were no compulsory votes taking place. Senior MPs, who deny claims that their working week has reduced to less than four days, are asking for a £23,000 pay boost.

Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood, the final speaker in the 90-minute debate, admitted the turnout was disappointing.

"I'm saddened it is late in the week and on a one-line whip, and I do not think the number of members present reflects the importance of this issue," he said.

Mr Ellwood, MP for Bournemouth East, said there should be an annual debate and government statement on the problem.

Only a handful of the 70 London MPs attended the debate, despite 16 young people being killed in knife crimes in the capital so far this year. The few who did attend included Andy Love (Edmonton), Simon Hughes (Bermondsey), Dawn Butler (Brent South), Tom Brake (Carshalton) and David Evennett (Bexleyheath & Crayford). For most of the debate, there were just 14 MPs present, including six from London.

James Brokenshire, MP for Hornchurch and shadow home affairs minister, said prevention through education would only work if it was part of a wider package of measures to tackle the problems of social breakdown, drug abuse and binge drinking.

Ms Butler said "postcode wars" meant young people were frightened to cross into neighbouring areas.

Mr Hughes called for kitchen knives - the "weapon of choice" - to be redesigned to get rid of the sharp points. "You cannot ban kitchen knives but we must stop them leaving the home," he said.

Home Office minister Vernon Coaker said he would consider the call for an annual debate. "We cannot wake up every morning wondering whether somebody has been stabbed to death overnight."