After three years of extensive evidence-gathering and research, on 26th March the Youth Violence Commission will publish its final recommendations.

The overwhelming verdict from victims, youth workers, community leaders and other stakeholders is that short term solutions simply do not work.

Violence reduction units are a welcome first step – but they need long term commitment and leadership from the top.

At PMQs today I asked the Prime Minister if he would commit to the long-term funding of these units and invited him to attend our report launch to hear direct from victims and experts about how we can get to grips with this contagion.

I was outraged – but not surprised – that he didn’t even acknowledge my invitation.