The UK is taking a significant step in the battle against knife crime, with the Prime Minister launching a new Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime aimed at safeguarding young people from being drawn into gang-related violence. This bold initiative will unite a wide array of campaign groups, families of victims and young people impacted by knife crime.
Actor and campaigner Idris Elba, co-founder of the Elba Hope Foundation, has joined the coalition, which aims to make Britain safer by addressing the root causes of youth violence.
With contributions from technology companies, sports organisations, health services, education and law enforcement the coalition seeks to understand why young people are drawn into violence and improve legislation to protect all citizens. It aims to offer solutions that will shape government policy and ensure accountability for the UK's commitments to tackle knife crime.
Ahead of the coalition’s official launch, the Prime Minister will meet with key stakeholders at the first annual Knife Crime Summit at Downing Street. At the summit, the Prime Minister will emphasise his personal commitment to this cause, shaped by his years as Director of Public Prosecutions, where he saw firsthand the devastation that street violence inflicts on families and communities.
This mission, which already includes legislation to ban dangerous weapons like ninja swords, aims to halve knife crime. Alongside this, new laws will further tighten the sale of knives online, ensuring these weapons do not end up in the hands of young people.
Commander Stephen Clayman, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for knife crime, will conduct a rapid review of how knives are sold online and delivered to underage buyers. His report to the Home Secretary by the end of the year will outline gaps in the current legislation and offer recommendations to curb these illegal sales.
Serve Legal’s Commitment to Supporting Knife Crime Prevention
Serve Legal is playing its part by conducting Knife Age Verification Audits across the UK and Ireland, working alongside a variety of retailers and businesses that sell bladed articles like knives. These audits, endorsed by Trading Standards, ensure retailers are properly enforcing Challenge 25 regulations, which require staff to verify the age of anyone purchasing a knife who looks under 25.
Our auditors, all of legal age to purchase knives, stress-test staff across hardware stores, supermarkets, craft stores, and delivery couriers to guarantee that these businesses are fulfilling their responsibilities in preventing knives from ending up in the hands of underage customers.
All auditors are required to return the purchase once the test is completed.
We are aware that age verification is only a small part of the solution to eradicating knife crime in the UK. Despite this, Serve Legal is keen to fully engage in the broader coalition efforts, supporting retailers in protecting not only their customers but also their staff and couriers from the risks of unlawful knife sales.
By offering our comprehensive and bespoke knife audits, we help businesses play their part in reducing access to weapons that can lead to tragedy.
As the government and national organisations unite to address this urgent crisis, Serve Legal remains committed to supporting these efforts and ensuring that retailers fulfil their crucial role in the fight to keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of minors.
For advice, support or to chat to a member of our team, contact businessenquiries@servelegal.co.uk.