Tackling knife crime is a priority in the UK. 

Recent data from a report by The Independent reveals a 76% surge in knife crime in the UK over the past decade, with 247 deaths in the year to June 2023. At the end of 2023, the Criminal Justice Bill was introduced to give the police more powers to tackle knife crime, antisocial behaviour, theft and drugs. In addition, the government announced further plans for a new law preventing the use of zombie-style knives and machetes, which includes granting new powers to the police to seize, retain, and destroy such weapons with no practical use.

However, legislation alone cannot address the complex challenges of knife crime, antisocial behaviour, and gang violence. Collaborative efforts among law enforcement, the criminal justice system, educational institutions, and other partner organisations are essential for driving community engagement, implementing intensive interventions, and collectively preventing knife-related crimes.

The Institute of Government & Public Policy’s Tackling Knife Crime and Gang Violence has been designed to bring together leading experts, prominent campaigners, schools, law enforcement, and various partner organisations to address the urgent issue of knife crime in the UK, prevention, and new laws of prevention in the UK.

Join us online for the Tackling Knife Crime and Gang Violence event, which will discuss the latest legislation in knife crime prevention, explore innovative solutions from prominent campaigner organisations, and share examples of cross-sector collaboration to create safer communities.