UK Intensifies Efforts to Tackle Rising Knife Crime Among Youth
One year after a tragic stabbing at a children’s event, the UK government is ramping up its fight against knife crime—particularly among young people. On July 29, 2024, 19-year-old Axel Rudakubana launched a violent attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance party in Southport, killing three girls and injuring 10 others. The horrific event sparked national outrage and pushed authorities to take stronger action.
Key Government Measures
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the Labour government has rolled out several initiatives to reduce knife-related violence:
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Stricter age checks for knife purchases
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Fines for social media companies failing to stop weapon promotion or sales
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Ban on zombie-style knives and ninja swords
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Knife amnesty bins and mobile drop-off vans across the country
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Launch of a youth knife crime coalition, supported by public figures like King Charles and actor Idris Elba
Despite these efforts, campaigners argue that deeper, long-term solutions are needed.
The Alarming Rise in Knife Crime
According to the UK’s Home Office:
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Knife crime has increased 87% in the last decade
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In 2024 alone, there were 54,587 knife-related offences, a 2% rise from 2023
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57 of the 262 knife-related deaths involved victims under 25
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Over 3,200 offences were committed by children aged 10 to 17
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Kitchen knives remain the most commonly used weapons
Root Causes: Poverty, Peer Pressure, and Mental Health
Experts and charities say many young people are drawn to carrying knives due to:
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Poverty and lack of opportunity
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Peer influence or gang involvement
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A desire for protection or status
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Exposure to violence or mental health struggles
Researcher Jade Levell from the University of Bristol emphasized the need for early mental health intervention and long-term strategies instead of short-term campaigns.
Over 4.5 million children in the UK are currently living in poverty. A 2023 report by the NHS revealed that nearly 1 in 5 children aged 8–25 suffer from probable mental disorders.
Community and Charity Initiatives
In response to the crisis, several charities are actively working to raise awareness:
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Safety Centre runs engaging knife crime education workshops for children aged 9 to 12 in schools.
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Charlie’s Promise, founded by Martin Cosser after his son was fatally stabbed, has reached over 41,000 students with powerful awareness sessions.
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Survivors like Amani Simpson, who was stabbed in 2011, now share their personal stories to inspire and educate.
These groups are united in their demand to make knife crime education mandatory in schools.
Dedicated Police Taskforces
Regions like the West Midlands, which are heavily affected by knife crime, have formed specialized units like the Guardian Taskforce. In June 2025 alone:
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Officers completed 3,000+ hours of patrols
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Conducted 366 stop-and-searches
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Seized 57 knives and offensive weapons
“Every knife seized is a life saved,” said Inspector Kate Jeffries.
A Step Forward, But More Needed
The government recently announced funding for youth hubs offering career and mental health support in high-risk areas. The plan starts with eight centres and aims to expand to 50 within four years.
However, experts and victims’ families stress that real change requires a deeper look into the emotional, societal, and systemic drivers of violence.
As survivor Amani Simpson puts it:
“Hope for me is the missing piece.”
Final Thoughts
While the UK government's current anti-knife initiatives mark progress, the true solution lies in prevention, education, and emotional support. As knife crime continues to affect young lives, building a safer future will require more than just amnesty bins—it will require understanding, intervention, and action at every level of society.
Credit: This report is based on a news article published by Reuters. Original reporting by Catarina Demony and Ben Makori; editing by William James, Andrew Heavens, and Frances Kerry.
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