Knife crime is increasing in our borough, particularly among young people.

There have been three fatal stabbings since February and east London is the hotspot for such attacks, where there have been more than 20 this year alone.

This is hardly surprising given the lure of joining a gang and potentially earning thousands a day through drug dealing.

For too many, joining a gang is easier than staying in school or college and building a career. Once in a gang, carrying a weapon is a must.

Tackling crime in Barking is one of my absolute priorities – even more so considering the sharp increase in knife crime.

I am campaigning hard to make sure that Barking Police Station stays open because a visible police presence is key to cutting knife crime; regular patrols and searches by our local police uncover weapons ranging from kitchen knives to machetes with 22-inch blades.

I am also in regular contact with Sophie Linden, deputy mayor for policing and crime, about what more City Hall can do to help our community.

Going forward, we need to make sure we stay tough on those who carry and use blades.

Last week, top judges reduced the sentence handed down to a man who stabbed his victim in the leg because they did not consider him to be a public danger.

This is outrageous.

His victim ended up having his leg amputated.

If we want to cut knife crime, we need to be tough on those who commit it.