Crackdown on knife culture
First Minister announces a five point plan to tackle knife crime
First Minister Jack McConnell has announced a five-point plan aimed at stamping out knife crime in Scotland.
The maximum sentence for possessing a knife will be doubled from two years to four and a licensing scheme will be introduced for retailers selling knives.
Scotland has the third highest number of stabbing murders per million people in Europe, with 50% of homicides in 2002 caused by knives or other sharp objects.
Speaking after a weekend of sectarian violence following an Old Firm clash, Mr McConnell said: "It is my strong view, and it is a view shared by Cabinet, that far too many young men particularly in Scotland view the carrying or using of knives or offensive weapons as an acceptable practice. It is not acceptable.
"The law in Scotland must be clear, the system must protect innocent victims, and the culture of Scotland in relation to knives and violent crime must change."
Key features of the plan including increasing the minimum purchasing age for knives from 16 to 18, ensuring police make more use of stop and search powers and banning the sale of swords.
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