Knife crime law welcomed

Local UKIP MEP Paul Nuttall has voiced his support for mandatory custodial terms for people convicted twice of possessing a knife.

"I am pleased that Parliament has given its backing to the move which sadly is necessary to try to prevent the tragedies caused by knife crime.

"For certain serious offences I am afraid that only mandatory sentences can act as a deterrent and this is such an offence," said Mr Nuttall, deputy party leader.

"Yes, it may very well lead to further increases in the prison population but society must be protected. And the answer to overcrowded prisons is to build more, and soon," he added.