|
Elba, known for roles in the television series "The Wire" and
"Luther", is demanding an immediate ban on machetes and
so-called "zombie knives" - bladed weapons originally inspired
by zombie films.
To kick-off his "Don't Stop Your Future" campaign, piles of
neatly folded clothes were laid in rows across London's
Parliament Square to represent those who have died from knife
crime. They included an outfit donated by the family of a
murdered teenager worn at the time of his death.
"Every day, the feeling of helplessness in us parents grows
bigger and bigger. If you have kids of a certain age, then you
know – that feeling is relentless," Elba said on the campaign
website.
"Every walk to school. Every hug goodbye. You can't help but
wonder if that's it; that's the last one."
While fatal shootings are rare in Britain, knife crime is
surging. In the year to June 2023 around 247 people lost their
lives where a knife or sharp instrument was involved, with many
of those dying being teenage boys or in their early 20s.
In August last year the government announced a ban on machetes
and zombie-style knives with no practical use, as well as an
increase in the maximum penalty for the importation,
manufacturing, possession and sale of these weapons and greater
powers for police to seize them.
But it is yet to legislate for the changes and Elba said
parliament had not given it the focus it deserved.
(Reporting by Farouq Suleiman, additional reporting by Kylie
MacLellan, Editing by Kate Holton and Angus MacSwan)
[© 2023 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
|
|
