LONDON: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has established a coalition to address the rising issue of knife crime among youth, with actor and anti-knife crime advocate Idris Elba joining the effort. The coalition, formed to tackle what Starmer describes as a “national crisis,” includes campaign groups, families, and young people impacted by knife crime, which remains the leading cause of homicide in England and Wales.
The annual summit, held at 10 Downing Street, aims to deepen understanding of the factors driving youth involvement in knife crime and to strengthen regulations around the online sale and accessibility of knives.
Starmer emphasized the need to intervene early in the lives of young people at risk, stating, “Far too many knives are too easily available, whether that’s online, whether that’s through the post.”
Idris Elba, known for his role as Stringer Bell in “The Wire” and for his advocacy work, highlighted the importance of a multi-faceted approach. “Talk is good, but action is important,” Elba said, advocating for a comprehensive strategy involving diverse perspectives from parents, youth workers, and law enforcement.
Elba’s campaign, “Don’t Stop Your Future,” launched earlier this year, calls for immediate government action on youth violence and the restoration of funding for youth services. Despite a decline in knife-related offenses since the pandemic, rates have been rising steadily since 2012.