SIR – Every time Nick Clegg opens his mouth he reveals just how out of touch with reality he really is.
This time he is opposed to taking a much needed tough stance on knife crime. There is always a danger with mandatory sentences but they were introduced for firearms offences and it has led to reduction in young people being picked up with them.
The carrying of knives is far more widespread than possessing guns and sadly for many young people it is the norm. Even more sadly we read on a daily basis about stabbings, often fatal, and it is a problem which needs urgent action.
Prison over-crowding is a problem, but safety on our streets is paramount. We can build more prisons but not restore life.
Jane Collins, prospective UKIP MEP for Yorkshire & North Lincs, Main Road, Newport, New Brough
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