We have a comprehensive programme of action set out in the serious violence strategy to tackle knife crime and prevent young people from being drawn into crime and violence. The Government are determined to do all they can to tackle it, along with our partners across civil society, including local government and those in education, health, policing and the charitable sector. Knife crime is devastating for victims, families and our communities. Friend will hear what you have said, Mr Speaker. Please do not think that this in any way undermines our commitment to this important topic. I hope that I will be able to answer questions today in a way that meets with the House’s approval. I know that the Home Secretary means absolutely no discourtesy-he is a regular and assiduous Minister. Mr Speaker, if I may, I will address that point before we move on to the very important issue at hand. I am sorry I take no view on the policy because that is not for the Speaker to do, but in procedural terms it really is time that he upped his game. In the circumstances-and he has had notice that he should be here-it is both ill judged and rude of the Secretary of State for the Home Department to send his, admittedly brilliant, junior Minister into the Chamber when he should be here. If the Secretary of State for the Home Department aspires to something a little more elevated than to be a jobbing functionary of the Executive branch and wants to be a serious and respected parliamentarian, he has to develop antennae and respect for the rights of the House of Commons. Gentleman was able to find time to brief or to ensure that others briefed the newspapers on his behalf, and he managed to scuttle off to do a radio interview and then to pop up on “The Andrew Marr Show” yesterday to give viewers and the nation the benefit of his views, the right hon. However, for him to fail to be in the Chamber on Thursday to make a statement about his new anti-knife crime initiative was at best ill judged and at worst rank discourteous to the House of Commons. For what it is worth, I am sure he is a very clever fellow, and on a one-to-one basis I have always found him unfailingly courteous. Member for Bromsgrove (Sajid Javid), and I have known him since he entered this House in 2010. That said, let it be crystal clear that the Secretary of State for the Home Department should be in this Chamber answering this urgent question. I warmly welcome the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Office, and I am sure I speak for colleagues in saying that we look forward to her characteristic competence and commitment at the Dispatch Box. Before we proceed further on this matter, let me say this.
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