a new law to ban them while there are 140 attacks per day, a phenomenon that is constantly increasing

As the UK enacts its law against the possession of large knives, a teenager was stabbed again on Sunday. The Prime Minister said he wanted to continue the fight against this crime, in particular by improving services dedicated to young people.

A teenager was stabbed to death on Sunday, September 22, 2024, in south-east London. He is the latest victim in a surge in knife attacks in the United Kingdom. This latest tragedy occurred just before the entry into force, on Tuesday, September 24, of the new British law banning the possession of machetes and “zombie” knives (large knives often serrated).

Knife crime in the UK has increased by 80% since 2015. EIn one year, more than 50,000 knife attacks were recorded in England and Wales, an average of 140 attacks per day, resulting in the deaths of almost 250 people in 2023.

“Zombie” knives are particularly incriminated in this violence. This type of knife with a large blade, often double-edged and sometimes serrated, is distinguished by its aggressive appearance, inspired by horror film culture. Although they were banned in 2016, a legal loophole allowed their sale as long as they “did not carry messages inciting violence”. Their sale and possession are now formally prohibited. The United Kingdom had previously launched a major awareness campaign, setting up drop-off points where people could hand in their knives for collection by the police.

The phenomenon of knife attacks is largely due to social factors, such as poverty, lack of opportunities for young people, and the influence of gang culture. Budget cuts to youth services and mental health care have made the situation worse, leaving many young people without support. In addition, the easy access to these weapons, often purchased online, reinforces this phenomenon.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to halve knife attacks within 10 years. He also wants to tackle the root causes of crime, highlighting the urgent need to improve public services and provide more opportunities for young people. Many charities, often set up by parents of victims or public figures, are also working to raise awareness and tackle the problem. Among them, Idris Elba, a British actor, recently joined the initiative to raise awareness of the importance of funding youth services and prevention programmes.