Commenting on recorded crime statistics published today, Liberal Democrat Justice spokesman Robert Brown said:

“The large fall in both recorded crimes of violence and in the carrying of knives demonstrates the success of the Violence Reduction Unit, work in breaking down gang barriers, effective community policing and other evidence based work.

“These figures will be a huge relief to local communities plagued by violent crime.

“The success in tackling the causes of crime gives the lie to Labour’s kneejerk and expensive populism, and their demands for more and longer prison sentences.

“Labour’s approach would make communities more dangerous and enormously increase the cost to the public purse.”