Children caught with knives will be referred to compulsory mentoring.

Police will refer children aged 10–17 found carrying knives to youth justice services for compulsory mentoring, the Ministry of Justice said; the change is part of Labour's manifesto and follows recent reported school knife incidents.

The government will require police to refer children aged 10 to 17 found carrying knives to youth justice services for compulsory mentoring. The Ministry of Justice said locally led youth justice teams will provide specialised plans intended to keep children away from crime. The announcement, included in Labour's manifesto, follows recent reported incidents involving knives at schools and other youth-related attacks. Key points: - Police referrals will apply to children aged 10–17 caught in possession of knives. - Referred children will enter compulsory mentoring managed by youth justice services. - The Ministry of Justice presented the plan as part of Labour's manifesto. - The announcement follows recent reported incidents including school stabbings and other attacks involving young people. Summary: The measure redirects many cases involving children with knives from criminal prosecution toward compulsory mentoring through local youth justice services. Undetermined at this time.