As a resident of Haringey, I welcome the new Knife Law set to take effect today, 24th September 2024. This law couldn't come at a better time for our community, which has been deeply affected by knife crime in recent years. With youth violence on the rise and tragic incidents becoming all too common, this new legislation is a glimmer of hope for creating safer streets and offering a way out for those caught up in the cycle of violence.
Under the new law, first announced by the Prime Minister last year, and which goes into effect today, it will be illegal to possess, sell, manufacture or transport these zombie-style knives and machetes. These knives are characterized by their large size, aggressive design, and sharp points, often featuring additional dangerous elements like spikes or holes. The law bans these weapons completely, including their possession in private homes. There are exemptions for antique blades over 100 years old, such as World War I bayonets.
These weapons, previously not covered under existing prohibitions, are deemed dangerous and have no legitimate purpose for possession. The ban is part of a broader government effort to reduce knife crime, aiming to cut such incidents in half over the next decade. Police will also be given new powers to seize and destroy knives found on private premises if there are reasonable grounds to suspect the blade will be used in a serious crime. Previously, police could not seize knives found during a search on a property, even if they had suspicions of criminal use.
Ahead of the new legislation, a knife crime amnesty and compensation scheme encourages individuals to surrender knives and other weapons anonymously at designated drop-off points, without fear of prosecution. This could make a significant difference in Haringey, where many young people may feel trapped in a culture that normalises carrying knives for self-defence or peer pressure. By removing these weapons from circulation, the law aims to prevent future stabbings and de-escalate violence before it even begins.
It’s also a relief for parents in the borough, many of whom worry daily about their children’s safety. Walking home from school or hanging out with friends shouldn’t come with the fear of encountering weapons, and this law represents a step in restoring that sense of security.
At RISE Projects, we have witnessed the devastating impact of knife crime, and the way in which it affects communities - young people, parents, families and service providers. Ahead of the Knife Crime Amnesty measures, we saw this as an opportunity to raise awareness among our service users of what it is really about. We held a workshop on knife crime and Stop and Search with Haringey Metropolitan Police Service at RISE Youth Club on 22nd August 2024. We had a significant turnout of over 30 youths, attending to become more knowledgeable, about what the new laws mean in reality and the ways in which it will affect their lives and their peers.
Our objectives at RISE Projects are to keep young people safe by creating safe spaces to get the necessary information they need to be informed. We offer several weekly activities to safeguard young people from risk including serious youth violence, drug-dealing and anti-social behaviour. Our innovative Youth Club serves as a safe space to mentor young people and at Friday Night Football, we arrange weekly football sessions which contributes towards reducing inter-postcodes tensions in Haringey. These are activities which have a great success rate in getting young people to open up and discuss what troubles them.
Another key area of work for us in reducing knife crime incidences in our locality is our early intervention programme the ‘Personal Development Mentoring Programme’, where we work with young people at several schools across Tottenham and Wood Green to improve school attainment, increase confidence and to learn the risks associated with knife crime.
Our office drop-ins support 16 to 24 years get into employment, develop their CV and cover letters, interview techniques and signpost to work placements, trainings and apprenticeships. We also organise social activities for young people to deter them from any involvement with serious youth violence such as paintballing and trips. The latter which is very popular and attracts alot of interest. These are very simple activities, which are cost effective, and proven to steer young people clear of danger and falling into the wrong crowd.
While some may doubt its effectiveness or think it’s too little, too late, I believe the new law banning zombie-style knives and machetes, provides an important opportunity for change. It’s not a cure-all, but it’s a start. Hopefully, by investing in youth provisions and early intervention, local authority, and national government can reduce knife crime and move toward a future where knives aren’t a part of daily life for so many young people.
The Knife Amnesty and compensation Scheme is set to end on September 23rd and the new law making it illegal to possess, sell, manufacture or transport zombie-style knives and machetes comes into effect on 24th September 2024. Ultimately, these measures fall short of addressing the root causes of knife crime. Simply providing an avenue for people to surrender weapons anonymously does little to tackle the complex social issues that drive young people to carry knives in the first place. In boroughs like Haringey, where poverty, lack of youth services, and gang influence are prevalent, a one-time amnesty may have limited impact. The law also lacks clear follow-up measures, such as long-term support for at-risk youth initiatives. Critics argue that while removing knives from the streets is a positive step, the law doesn’t offer sustainable solutions, and without a more comprehensive approach that includes addressing mental health, education, and economic opportunities, it risks being a short-term fix to a much deeper problem.
The new law provides an important opportunity for change. It’s not a cure-all, but it’s a start.
Written by Ibrahim Rashid, Youth Engagement Lead at RISE Projects