Nearly one in three killers in UK has history of knife crime

Nearly one in three murderers has a history of knife crime, according to new figures. An average of 160 individuals with prior knife convictions are convicted annually for murder or manslaughter. This trend raises concerns over escalating violence. Experts urge the government to enforce sanctions on youths caught with knives.

Labour previously promised that no young person caught with a knife would escape consequences, yet details of the initiative remain unclear. The Youth Endowment Fund emphasizes that meaningful action is essential for prevention. Knife-related incidents have surged to over 50,000.

In 2024, 161 offenders with knife convictions were convicted of murder or manslaughter. Tragic cases like the stabbings of Kelyan Bokassa and Daejaun Campbell highlight the issue.

The government is working on measures to combat knife crime, aiming to halve incidents in a decade.