Premier League stars urged to front a Government anti-knife crime blitz after unprecedented number of stabbings in a week
Minister Victoria Atkins is to meet high-profile football officials in the hope of signing up big names to an anti-knife campaign
PREMIER LEAGUE stars are being urged to front a new Government anti-knife crime blitz.
Home Office Minister Victoria Atkins yesterday revealed she is due to meet football officials in the hope of signing up big names.
An official said more had to be done to “engage with young people” – and convince them to walk away from a life in crime.
Speaking in the Commons Ms Atkins said big name footballers were vital “role models” for Britain’s youngsters.
And she said: “I am due to meet representatives of the Premier League to ask whether they can encourage their football legends to do even more as role models to get the message out there that carrying a knife is not normal and that if they do, they are putting themselves at enormous risk.
“There is a great deal more that we as a society can do to get that message out there to young people about carrying knives.
Man City speedster Raheem Sterling yesterday said something had to be done to stop people carrying knives and “harming each other”.
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The Government is also expected to push ahead with controversial plans for anti-knife campaigners to go into schools and show kids horrifying images of victims and stab wounds in a bid to force them away from gangs.
A Home Office spokeswoman last night said: ““Early intervention is key to combating the rise in serious violence and we must engage with young people including through people who they respect and listen to.
“The Minister, Victoria Atkins, is due to meet the Premier League to ask them whether they can encourage their football teams to educate young people on the dangers of carrying knives.”
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