I think the issue of knife crime is a fascinating one. There is no doubt there is more gang grooming, and drugs sold by gangs (and I think it’s highly likely- far more drugs than 50 years ago?) there is a huge amount of money in drugs, which makes people reckless and violent.
however the issue as to why young people are so desperate for money? I think we have a big problem with institutional racism, and poverty. Gang grooming has been allowed to run wild, without the interventioN services that worked very well 20 years ago for operation trident.
finally I suspect it’s obvious that knives are used because gun control is so tight in this Country- I have no doubt that if it wasn’t they’d be shooting each other