Ban on 'zombie knives' and machetes set to be fast-tracked by Government
New legislation making these large knives illegal is expected later
Laws to ban machetes and zombie-style knives are going to be introduced to Parliament today, just two weeks after Idris Elba launched his campaign for action on knife crime.
The Government is expected to announce new legislation making many big knives illegal to possess, buy, sell or manufacture in the UK.
The Government put forward plans to ban some zombie-style knives in August last year but has been criticised for how long it's taken them to act.
Figures show hundreds of people die each year (261 in the year ending March 2022) after being attacked with sharp objects, predominantly knives.
Idris Elba is is one of the most prolific campaigners putting his weight behind getting the law changed.
His #DontStopYourFuture campaign, launched a fortnight ago has been calling on a ban and for more attention on how we stop the problem of knife-crime
At the campaign launch Idris told us: "I just feel like we need to show young people that you are respected and that you are cared for.
"Right now, the way it looks is that a young person dies. It's on the news, and then it's gone.
"Number one, let's just ban the knives. There was a legislation that said that zombie knives will be banned, but it's still five months later, and it hasn't been done.
"We should have this done immediately and it won't eradicate the problem of knife crime, but what it will symbolize that our government actually cares about the youth."
Labour leader promises £100 million youth-programme
A Labour government would launch a £100 million youth programme to tackle knife crime, Sir Keir Starmer has said.
The new plan, a direct echo of New Labour’s SureStart childcare scheme, would see a nationwide targeted programme aimed at identifying and supporting young people at risk of being drawn into violent crime.
Alongside promises of better support, Labour is also promising “real consequences” for knife crime with an end to “empty warnings and apology letters” for those guilty of knife possession.
Legislation for ban on zombie knives planned
A statement on the Government's website says: "Machetes and zombie-style knives with no practical use will be banned and police will have more powers to seize them in a bid to crack down on their use in devastating street violence.
"Under the measures, machetes and knives that are designed to look intimidating and threatening, known as zombie-style knives, will be made illegal.
"The measures will be legislated when Parliament allows."
Knives in the West Country
Recent months have seen a spate of knife crime incidents across the West Country.
Last week (21 January) two people were stabbed in Bath, leaving an 18-year-old man with potentially life changing injuries.
A 17-year-old boy was arrested in connection with that on suspicion of attempted murder.
Last summer two young people were murdered in Bath, each stabbed in separate incidents in the Weston area, and the city centre.
Meanwhile in Bristol investigations continue into the fatal stabbing of 19-year-old Eddie King Muthemba Kinuthia, who was attacked in St Pauls in July last year.
To date no one has been charged with his killing, with Crimestoppers now offering a £20,000 reward for information.