Idris Elba has praised the British government's crackdown on zombie knives but said it doesn't go far enough.
The 51-year-old actor is a vocal supporter of knife crime in Britain, which has risen sharply in recent years and with many of the victims being teenage boys.
He has launched a new campaign called “Don't Stop Your Future,” calling for an immediate ban on machetes and so-called “zombie knives.”
On Wednesday it was announced that new legislation would be introduced in Parliament which, according to Home Secretary James Cleverly, aims to “close that loophole” to the gun ban.
Zombie-style knives were first banned in 2016, but ministers hope these tougher measures will stop some retailers from selling dangerous knives and machetes without breaking the law.
Idris Elba has praised the UK government's crackdown on zombie knives but said it doesn't go far enough
The 51-year-old actor is a vocal supporter of knife crime in Britain, which has risen sharply in recent years and with many of the victims being teenage boys
He has launched a new campaign called “Don't Stop Your Future,” calling for an immediate ban on machetes and so-called “zombie knives.”
However, Labor said the changes had already been promised by six Conservative home secretaries and “loopholes” meant they did not go far enough to constitute a “comprehensive ban”.
Idris appeared on BBC Breakfast on Thursday morning to discuss the new measures and said that while they were welcome progress, there was still so much to do.
He said: “This is a symbolic step in the right direction.” It is just a step in the right direction as there is still a long way to go.
“There are so many facets of this problem that need to be addressed, but a complete ban on these substances – their sale and their production in our country – is a step in the right direction and I think it is a good step.”
“It's a small win for the families, for the victims, who are sitting there wondering why our government didn't do something like this sooner.”
“Even though they've done it before, they've left so many loopholes for sales to continue.” So this feels a lot more robust, there's been a lot more thought put into banning it and hopefully there won't be any loopholes. “
However, he pointed out that not all knives are banned, including swords, and explained why this still represents a “big problem”.
Idris said: “[There] There are a few reasons why swords are not included, as some swords are considered collectibles and some swords have historical value. Overall, however, we feel that if you have a sword and it is a family heirloom or has historical value, [you] I have a license for it.
On Wednesday it was announced that new legislation would be put before Parliament which, according to Home Secretary James Cleverly (pictured), aims to “close that loophole” to the gun ban
Zombie-style knives were first banned in 2016, but ministers hope these tougher measures will stop some retailers from selling dangerous knives and machetes without breaking the law
The ban, which comes into effect in September, makes it illegal to own, sell, manufacture or transport these zombie-style knives and machetes (two examples of “zombie knives” pictured).
He added: “I think that swords are not necessary on the streets in this country.”
The ban, which takes effect in September, makes it illegal to own, sell, manufacture or transport these zombie-style knives and machetes.
So-called zombie knives are currently defined by the government as blades with “a cutting edge, a serrated edge, and images or words that suggest they will be used for violence.”
A surrender system will also be introduced, giving people the opportunity to hand in their weapons before the law comes into force without consequences.
Idris also explained that he was motivated to advocate for this issue because he is the father of a son and a daughter.
He addressed the question of whether MPs properly understand the issues surrounding knife crime, arguing that it is important to speak to people on the street, as well as victims and their families, to understand the problem.
He said: “I really can't talk about what politicians think or don't think.” Just because they are politicians doesn't mean they know what's going on in the streets.
“But the streets do it, the communities do it, the mothers and the victims do it, and we have to listen to them too, we have to understand.”
Idris appeared on BBC Breakfast on Thursday morning to discuss the new measures and said that while they were welcome progress, there was still so much to do
Idris launched his campaign by releasing a new track, Knives Down, to combat the knife crime epidemic (featured in the music video).
“Statistics are statistics.” But the truth is, I'm a parent, I do this as a parent, I do this because I don't know the statistics, I just know that I don't want my son or any child to find anything You're lying in a hospital bed because our government didn't really care.
“So I really don't want to talk about what the politicians think.” However, I have to say that we need to move in the right direction. I think today is significant in that regard.”
Idris launched his campaign by releasing a new title, Knives Down, to tackle the knife crime epidemic.
The Luther star's efforts have ensured the campaign has gained widespread traction, with the government rushing the ban through Parliament just two weeks after Idris called on them to act.
Police Minister Chris Philp denied the Tory Party was only acting because of zombie knives after The Wire star pushed for more guns to be banned.
Asked whether it would take a campaign from a top British actor to get the Conservatives to act, he told GB News: “No, that's not the case, these measures were announced about three or four months ago… that's all already underway.” .
“We have been working on drafting the legislation in the run-up to Christmas and it will be presented to Parliament today.”
“But I think he made some good points. “We want to work with charities and other activists to make sure we do everything possible.”
Police Minister Chris Philp (pictured) denied the Tory Party was only acting because of zombie knives after The Wire star pushed for more guns to be banned
In a new interview with HypeBeast, Idris laid out his goals for the campaign, saying: “In the short term, I want to get an immediate ban on these crazy knives.” Zombie knives, samurais, machetes. Simply ban them and make them difficult to acquire, sell, distribute and keep.
“I understand that from a young man's perspective he feels like he needs protection.” I understand that. On the other hand, some people just want power. They want to say, “Yo, nobody is fooling me,” and I get that too.
“But I still don’t think these knives have a place in our society.” They are a consequence of a society that doesn’t care about young people. They are a result of neglect.'
He continued: “For long-term success, we should get to the bottom of the problem and that includes asking ‘why?’ This is done by strengthening services to give children something to do.
“Gang culture will remain forever, I will never eradicate it.” But I can try to get everyone to think about how to give children an alternative to fighting, to hating, to stabbing and ultimately killing their future .
“I also think our long-term goal is for the government to think about sustainable options for rehabilitation and the prison system.”
“Of course the victim suffers, but often the perpetrator is either a victim himself.” “A victim of abuse, of bullying, of bad upbringing, a victim of being forced to join a gang.”
He also explained why he believes it has taken so long for the government to respond on the matter, saying: “I think it's a London problem.” It's a nationwide problem. It's black, white, brown, whatever.
Idris has been praised for using his status to raise awareness of an issue that has a “devastating impact on communities”, including from London Mayor Sadiq Khan
“And it doesn’t just have to do with gangs. The knife culture in England dates back to the turn of the century. “Knife culture has a very long history and I feel like the media doesn’t always know how to talk about it.”
When the Home Secretary was asked why the legislation had taken so long, James said: “We have already taken action to make carrying zombie knives illegal.”
“When I became Home Secretary I immediately made the decision to go further and bring forward this secondary legislation to support what we were already doing to make possession of zombie knives illegal and close this loophole.”
“That’s why I’m very pleased that we are now taking action and are determined to remove these knives from the streets.”
Announcing the measures, he added: “We cannot allow them to be sold to children and we must offer young people a way out of violence.”
He added that the measures taken this week “further strengthen” the government’s ability to tackle knife crime.
He added: “We will continue the success story since 2019. We have seen a very significant reduction in knife crime over this time.” “We have a plan that is working and is reducing knife crime.”
Idris was praised for using his status to raise awareness of an issue that is “devastating communities.”
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today program this week, Idris added that “the country is at a boiling point” and that there needs to be a “voice or a point” around which people can rally around this address the problem
London Mayor Sadiq Khan also praised the actor for helping to shed light on “this crucial issue.”
When asked why he felt the need to get involved, Idris replied: “It's not about being an actor or a politician, we are all human beings and live in a society.”
“If I don't feel safe just because I'm an actor, shouldn't I say that?” I think we should all speak up when we should, and this is the moment to speak up should report. Today in Parliament we laid out symbolic clothing for some of the real victims.
“At the end of this year, everyone usually has a New Year’s resolution: Let’s harness this newfound drive and use it to eradicate knife crime.” We can do it as a society.
“I’m just a parent. I am a parent who takes care of my children as I would take care of your children. But I think that as an actor I can speak a little higher than some people when I have a soapbox.
“I too am a target of criticism, but that doesn’t interest me as much as the question of what we as a society need to do to take care of our young people.”
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today program this week, Idris added that “the country is at a boiling point” and that there needs to be a “voice or a point” around which people can rally around this address the problem.
It comes amid a series of horrific knife attacks across Britain, including on 16-year-old schoolboy Harry Pitman, who was stabbed this month as he waited to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks display from Primrose Hill in Camden.
It comes amid a series of horrific knife attacks across the UK, including on 16-year-old schoolboy Harry Pitman, who was stabbed this month as he stood waiting to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks display from Primrose Hill in Camden (pictured Harry) .
The murder, which occurred just minutes before midnight, made him at least the 17th teenager brutally killed in the capital in 2023 – most of those cruelly taken from their loved ones last year were also stabbed been.
In August last year, the government announced a ban on zombie-style machetes and knives with no practical use, as well as an increase in the maximum penalty for importing, manufacturing, possessing and selling these weapons, as well as greater powers for police to seize them.
However, the changes have yet to be legislated for and Idris said Parliament had not given him the focus it deserved and pushed for more funding for youth services.
This came as Labor announced a £100 million youth program to tackle knife crime.
The new plan, a direct echo of New Labour's SureStart childcare program, will see a nationwide targeted program aimed at identifying and supporting young people at risk of becoming involved in violent crime.