Britain’s government wants to work with actor Idris Elba to combat knife violence. Young people are repeatedly killed there because perpetrators stab people with a blade. Prime Minister Keir Starmer wants to present a joint initiative with Elba, reported the British news agency PA.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, initiatives, families of victims and young people affected are to be involved in the alliance. The participation of technology companies, sports organizations, the health service and the police is also planned.
“This is a national crisis”
The initiative aims to work with experts to find out why young people become involved in knife violence. “We need to address the causes of knife violence, not just the symptoms,” Elba said, according to PA. The 52-year-old actor (“Luther”) has been involved in the issue for some time.
Prime Minister Starmer spoke of a national crisis. As Director of Public Prosecutions, he himself had seen the devastating impact knife crime had on young people and their families, Starmer said. “This is a national crisis that we will tackle with all our strength.”
The British government, for example, recently called for so-called zombie knives with decorated blades and machetes to be handed in voluntarily and without punishment at police stations before a change in the law.
