MURDERERS who kill using knives or blades will now face a minimum jail term of 25 years.

Justice Secretary Jack Straw moved to increase the sentence from 15 years meaning judges' starting points for sentences will increase to just less than the 30-year term for gun killings.

Speaking after the announcement, Mr Straw said: "I have seen the devastation that knife crime can cause.

"The loss of a loved one in any circumstances is heartbreaking, and even more so when they are the victim of a senseless and appalling murder.

"It is only right that those who carry knives with the intention of using them go to prison for a long time."

He added: "I am determined to stamp out knife crime on our streets. The Government is very clear that serious crimes must have serious consequences."

News Shopper has been speaking to families of people who have been killed in recent years, and also caught up with youth worker Simon Somerville who was stabbed 14 times outside Deptford's Albany theatre.

Barry Mizen

Jimmy Mizen, 16, was killed in a Lee bakery in May 2008 when 20-year-old Jake Fahri threw a glass dish at him - cutting his throat.

News Shopper: Murdered: 16-year-old Jimmy Mizen

Jimmy's father Barry Mizen, who is touring schools in south-east London in an anti-youth violence campaign, said: "There are perfectly sane and reasonable people who carry weapons under the front seat of their car through fear.

"But if you're in a situation where you might use it then you have to think about the consequences.

"This announcement is a message that if you carry a weapon of any sort then you are tempting fate and you will be punished."

Simon Somerville

Simon Somerville, 42, suffered a stab wound to the heart, a punctured lung, a damaged liver and complete kidney failure after being stabbed 14 times in Deptford on October 28 last year.

News Shopper: Simon Somerville was stabbed 14 times

He said: "I do think you need strong sentences which can be used as a deterrent.

"At the moment it's 30 years for gun murders and I still think that is the most severe kind of murder.

"But people who take each other's lives in whatever way need to be punished."

Colin Knox

Rob Knox, 18, was stabbed to death outside a bar in Sidcup by Karl Bishop who was 21 at the time.

News Shopper: Rob Knox was stabbed to death outside a Sidcup bar

The victim's father, Colin Knox, said: "I welcome the announcement as it sends out a clear message that it cannot be tolerated.

"But as a parent of a murder victim it is difficult to balance the loss of a son with a harsher sentence as there is no more precious thing than life.

"Perpetrators should be put away for life as they should not be on the streets, but the government has been put under pressure to do something - and they - and so I welcome that."

He added: "With severe deterrents and punishments, and with proper education in schools, things can improve."