British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has taken a decisive step in addressing the escalating issue of knife crime in England and Wales by launching a national coalition on Monday. The initiative, which brings together government officials, campaign groups, families affected by violence, and even young people at risk, aims to combat what Starmer calls a “national crisis.”
The coalition, launched at 10 Downing Street, signifies a multifaceted approach to understanding and preventing knife crime. The annual summit, a key component of the coalition, will delve into the root causes behind youth involvement in knife crime. The government is also planning to strengthen laws governing the online sale of knives and restrict access for young people.
Starmer emphasized the need to intervene early, stating, “We need to try to reach into the lives of young people who may be going off the tracks and trying to bring them back before they do so.” He also highlighted the concerning ease with which knives are available online and through mail order.
Adding his voice to the fight, actor and anti-knife crime campaigner Idris Elba, known for his role as Stringer Bell in the acclaimed TV series “The Wire,” underscored the need for coordinated action. “Talk is good, but action is important,” Elba stated at the meeting. He stressed the importance of diverse perspectives, saying, “We needed joined-up thinking, we needed so many different perspectives: parents’ perspectives, youth workers’ perspectives, charity organisations, governance, policing.”
Elba’s involvement in the coalition stems from his own campaign, “Don’t Stop Your Future,” launched in January. This campaign advocates for urgent government intervention in youth violence, particularly addressing severe funding cuts to youth services over the past decade.
While knife-related offenses in England and Wales are currently lower than pre-pandemic levels, they have steadily increased since 2012. Government data reveals that 41 percent of all homicides in the two nations in the year ending March 2023 were knife-related. The recent tragedy in July, where three girls were killed in a mass stabbing in Southport, north England, highlights the grim reality of this ongoing issue.
The Labour government, in power since July, has pledged to halve knife crime within the next decade. To achieve this goal, a ban on zombie-style knives and machetes will come into effect on September 24. This will be followed by plans to ban ninja swords. This multi-pronged approach combines public awareness, legislative changes, and community engagement, signifying a commitment to combatting this pressing societal issue.
