An Enfield MP says he is “absolutely delighted” that a new law he campaigned for that hands mandatory prison sentences to teenagers wielding knives is set to come into force.

The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill, which will see 16 and 17-year-olds handed custodial sentences for at least four months for using knives in a threatening way, was finally accepted by the House of Lords yesterday after months of negotiations with MPs.

The bill, dubbed ‘Enfield’s Law’, was amended by the Government in October to carry the new punishment after a three-month Enfield Independent Don’t Carry, Don’t Kill campaign that followed a spate of murders in the borough.

Enfield North MP Nick de Bois, who teamed up with our campaign, said: “I’m absolutely delighted it’s gone through the House of Lords with no changes.

“It’s rare that a backbench MP is able to introduce a law but the case for Enfield’s Law was overwhelming. Thank you to the Enfield Independent for the public support and that of my constituents that signed the petition.

“This law will make a difference but we still have much more to do to help stop knife crime at all levels.”

Hundreds of people signed a petition calling for tougher sentences after 15-year-old Edmonton County School pupil Negus McClean, 14-year-old Leroy James and 21-year-old Steven Grisales all died in a summer of violence.

Ministry of Justice figures suggest that each year up to 400 teenagers could be jailed under the new legislation, which is now waiting to receive Royal Assent.