Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage has sparked a debate about tackling knife crime after participating in the second election TV debate. Farage appeared in a BBC debate last night (7/6/24) alongside Penny Mordaunt, the Conservative Leader of the House of Commons, Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner, Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, Plaid Cymru’s Rhun ap Iorwerth and Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer.

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Farage has demanded for more tougher “stop and search” to tackle knife crime and to not let the fear of racism get in the way of a complete crackdown.

"We know the areas where knives are more prevalent. And of course and if we don’t do it, 'Oh gosh, this area has a high proportion of black and ethnic minority communities they might call us racist.' We've got to stop doing that," Farage insisted.

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"We've got to completely forget the colours of people's skins. Treat everybody equally. But we must do stop and search in a very, very tough way. We have to have proper sentences."

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Residents were divided when reacting to Farage’s comments on our Instagram page. One Resident wrote: "I used to be against this when I was younger and on the receiving end of it. But the way this world has gone, especially inner city London these kids need to be searched asap. Because 90% are carrying swords like it’s Game of Thrones." Another wrote: Sadly I agree, London is bad vibes, something needs to be done."

But some vehemently disagreed: “I’ve got two convictions for assaulting police during stop and searches. Pointless exercise and doesn't even catch 99%of the criminals most of the time." While another agreed, "Anyone who supports his view point is either racist or ill informed. Stop and search is ineffective. They only marginalise black men."