Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to unveil a groundbreaking new initiative on Monday aimed at tackling the rising issue of knife crime in the UK. The coalition, which will be spearheaded by Starmer and Hollywood actor and anti-knife campaigner Idris Elba, is focused on preventing young people from becoming involved in violent gangs and street crime.
The coalition is expected to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including campaign groups, families of knife crime victims, affected youth, and key public figures such as Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. Technology companies, sporting organisations, the health service, and law enforcement will also participate in what is anticipated to be the first annual knife crime summit.
Elba, who has been vocal in his advocacy against knife violence, emphasised the importance of addressing the underlying causes of knife crime. We need to tackle the root causes of knife crime, not just the symptoms,” he stated. “The coalition is a positive step toward rehabilitating our communities from the inside out.”
Sir Keir, who previously served as Director of Public Prosecutions, is expected to share personal insights from his legal career, underscoring the significance of this initiative. “As director of public prosecutions, I saw first hand the devastating impact that knife crime has on young people and their families,” he said. “This is a national crisis that we will tackle head on.”
The coalition’s primary aim is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the factors that lead young people into knife crime. It marks the beginning of the government’s 10-year plan to address this growing issue, which is central to its mission of improving public safety.
In related efforts, the government has already moved to ban certain weapons, such as “ninja swords,” and plans to strengthen regulations around online knife sales. Commander Stephen Clayman, the national policing lead for knife crime, has been tasked with conducting a rapid review of online knife sales to minors, with findings due to the Home Secretary by the end of the year.
This new initiative signals a major step forward in the fight against knife crime, with hopes that a united approach can bring about real change in the safety of communities across the UK.
