Give Police resources to keep weapons out of schools - Farron

Figures obtained by South Cumbrian MP Tim Farron reveal that fifteen weapons, including knives, have been found in schools across Cumbria over the last two years. Tim is calling for more resources to help the police keep weapons out of schools.

The figures show that over 2015 and 2016, Cumbria Police have confiscated fifteen weapons from schools across the county. This included 3 knives in 2015, and 6 knives in 2016.

A total of thirteen students were involved in the confiscations, with the youngest aged just 10, in 2016.

Tim said: "These figures are extremely concerning. Our children have a right to feel safe at school so they can learn, not threatened by their peers. Weapons have no place in our schools.

"The government has a duty to ensure that our police force has the resources to keep our area safe, and this includes our schools. Yet over the last year 69 police officers and staff have been cut from Cumbria Police. The government cannot expect our police to do more with less, year after year.

"Cumbria Police must be given the funding they need to ensure that weapons are kept out of our schools and our children feel safe."