I FOUND your Comment on knife crime very thought-provoking (Murders deserve more of a response than political platitudes, January 4).
Beyond the cynicism, politicking and ego trips, most people who are involved in local politics (across all parties) are motivated by care for their communities and a desire to make things better.
I like to believe that the statements of sorrow which we have seen in response to the tragic recent deaths are more than virtue signalling.
However the author is right, regardless of sincerity, these words are ultimately worthless if nothing changes. From my reading of information from the Office for National Statistics, knife crime in London has been on a broadly upward trend since 2013.
As a Conservative GLA candidate, I will highlight the failure to reverse the trend and call for more neighbourhood policing.
Listening to residents speak to police meetings in Primrose Hill and Rowley Way was truly heartbreaking.
However without addressing deeper issues and divisions within our communities, wider society and economy this will only be treating the symptoms not the cause.
We need to accept the reality of what is going on, stop pointing fingers and blaming each other, and start collaborating across community and party divides to drive real change.
While I understand the author's disillusionment and distrust we owe it to too many to simply not give up.
Julie Redmond
Conservative GLA Candidate for Barnet & Camden
