Impending cuts to police funding and youth spending would seriously weaken the fight against youth violence and ultimately prove more costly to the taxpayer, Streatham’s MP told Parliament.

Chuka Umunna demanded the Government commit to investing more in policing and youth provision ahead of October’s crucial Government spending review.

His comments on September 16, came in the same week Home Secretary Teresa May said there would be spending cuts to police budgets.

During the House of Commons debate on London’s youth violence, which Mr Umunna led, he told MPs: “It is crucial we have the monies so we can channel the energy of our youth in a positive direction, away from the activities that lead to violence and, tragically, sometimes to the loss of young lives.

“If we invest in prevention – in occupying our young people with decent things to do that can expand their horizons and increase their opportunities – it reduces the chances of them entering the criminal justice system.

“We know how much it costs to put a young person through that system. In the long term it would cost us more as a community not to spend money addressing this issue.”

Parliamentary under secretary for crime reduction, James Brokenshire MP, said the Government faced “real challenges” and its “priority is to ensure the economy is put on a strong footing”.

He added he would not speculate on spending decisions ahead of the October review.

Prior to the debate, Mr Umunna met with Lambeth’s youth parliament to discuss how youth violence could be reduced.