January 8th 2024.
Idris Elba has been campaigning against knife crime and the use of so-called 'zombie knives' for the past few years, but this month, he is taking his message to a whole new level.
The Hackney-born actor and rapper, 51, has just launched the Don't Stop Your Future campaign, calling for the immediate banning of the weapons outside the Houses of Parliament. Elba also called for more funding for youth services, and to support the cause, he released the song Knives Down.
The song features an appearance from UK rapper DB Maz as the pair call out to the government to take action and for gang members to 'not put trust in a blade'. Elba and the families of victims staged a debate in the House of Commons to further drive home the message.
In August 2023, the Home Office announced that tougher measures on machete knives would be introduced, with 'threatening' blades being made illegal, while possession and sale of the weapons would be punished with harsher sentences. However, progress on passing the new legislation has been slow.
The most recent high-profile case was the stabbing death of 16-year-old Harry Pitman on New Year's Eve. Days later, 15-year-old Elianne Andam was stabbed to death on her way to school in Croydon.
"It is a shame that our country still mourns the deaths of children at the hands of knives," Elba said. "We need to enforce tougher deterrents and punishments to carrying these weapons."
The Don't Stop Your Future campaign is a powerful reminder of the need for stricter regulations and tougher punishments for those found carrying knives. Elba is attempting to raise awareness of the campaign and give a platform to the frustration and grief felt by the families who have lost young people to knife crime.
Let's hope the government takes notice and puts some real action behind Elba's message.
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