Idris Elba fronts a new BBC documentary, Idris Elba: Our Knife Crime Crisis, exploring the rise of knife crime and how to prevent it. The East-London born actor known for his role in drama series Luther, has been campaigning against knife crime over recent years and is on a mission to confront the crisis. As well as speaking with victims, offenders, police and grieving families, the new film follows Idris, 52, as he discusses the issue with British leaders, King Charles and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
This work culminates in a knife crime summit at 10 Downing Street, with an aim to influence policy. It comes after, last year, Idris launched his "Don’t Stop Your Future" campaign against knife crime. He said at the time, "In 2023, serious youth violence rose across the country. That means hundreds more promising lives cut short over an argument or a fleeting emotion.
"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. Every walk to school. Every hug goodbye. You can’t help but wonder if that’s it; that’s the last one.”.
Last year, the Luthor actor fronted a campaign to demand an immediate ban on machetes and so-called zombie knives - of which he explained he made significant progress. Speaking to the BBC at an event last December, the actor revealed: "We've had really key moments throughout the year, the pinnacle being having real large conversations with Keir Starmer.
