British Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened a coalition to combat knife crime on Monday, joined by actor and anti-knife crime campaigner Idris Elba. The coalition aims to address what Starmer called a “national crisis,” bringing together campaign groups, families, and young people affected by knife crime, the most common method of homicide in England and Wales.
The annual knife crime meeting seeks to enhance understanding of the factors driving youth involvement in knife crime. Starmer’s government is also working to strengthen laws surrounding the online sale of knives and younger people’s access to them.
Addressing the summit at 10 Downing Street, Starmer emphasized the importance of reaching young people before they veer off track, noting the ease with which knives can be acquired online and through the post. “Far too many knives are too easily available,” he said.
Idris Elba, known for his role as Stringer Bell in the TV series “The Wire,” highlighted the necessity of collaborative efforts. “Talk is good, but action is important,” Elba remarked, advocating for a diverse range of perspectives, including those of parents, youth workers, charity organizations, governance, and policing. Elba, who previously called the summit a “positive” step, launched the “Don’t Stop Your Future” campaign in January, urging for immediate government action on youth violence and addressing cuts to youth services funding over the past decade.
Despite knife-related offences in England and Wales being lower than pre-pandemic levels, they have been steadily increasing since 2012. Government data indicates that 41% of all homicides in the year ending March 2023 were knife-related. High-profile cases, such as the mass stabbing in Southport in July where three girls were killed, underscore the urgency of the issue.
The Labour government, in power since July, has pledged to halve knife crime within the next decade. As part of these efforts, a ban on zombie-style knives and machetes will come into effect on September 24, followed by plans to ban ninja swords.
