Sarwar accuses ministers of ‘shameful inaction’ as knife crime rises in schools

The Scottish Government is guilty of “shameful inaction” on knife regulations, Anas Sarwar has said as levels of knife crime in schools increases.

The number of recorded crimes involving weapons or blades in schools hit a record high in 2024-25, with 267 crimes recorded involving the “possession of offensive weapon in a school” or “having in a school an article with a blade or point”.

This is the highest number since records began in 2017-18, and an increase from the 231 recorded incidents in 2023-24, according to Scottish Government crime statistics.

Scottish Labour leader Mr Sarwar said: “The SNP has been asleep at the wheel as youth violence reached crisis point in Scotland.

“It is not right that kids are going to school with dangerous weapons on a weekly basis, putting other students and teachers at risk.

“Children deserve better than the shameful inaction of this tired SNP Government.

“A Scottish Labour government led by me will get a grip on the rising tide of violent crime in our communities and take much-needed action to tighten regulations on knives.

“We will boost frontline policing by delivering a community police officer in every part of Scotland, and we will make schools safe places to learn once again.”

Mr Sarwar recently pledged that a Scottish Labour government will strengthen regulations on the sale of knives.

It followed a campaign by the mother of John McNab, who was fatally injured in an incident in Edinburgh in September.

A 16-year-old boy has appeared in court charged with his murder.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The safety of young people and staff in school is of paramount importance.

“The vast majority of young people in our schools do not carry weapons or engage in violence.

“It is also illegal to sell knives or similar products with blades or points to anyone under the age of 18, including online, and domestic knives including kitchen knives to those under 16.

“We are working closely with Police Scotland, local authorities and retailers to reduce knife-related harm and to support the enforcement of these safeguards, including age restriction requirements.”

They added: “In addition to our investment of £1.64 billion for policing this year, we have invested over £6 million since 2023 to support implementation of the Violence Prevention Framework which directly addresses youth violence, the carrying of weapons and violence in and around schools.

“Local authorities have guidance and procedures in place to ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of children and young people.

“Teaching staff may call the police if they have any immediate concerns about a child.

“We have produced national guidance for education authorities and schools on consequences and risk assessments for violent, aggressive and dangerous behaviour to support staff in responding to these concerns.”