Last updated by ruth.salter@essex.gov.uk on Wednesday, April 22, 2026
The Home Office has launched its plan to reduce knife crime in the UK, aiming to halve it within a decade. The plan explores how the government proposes to tackle knife crime through: supporting young people so they get a better start in life and acting early to prevent childhood harms and traumas that can increase risks; stopping those at risk from turning to knife crime; policing streets to prevent offending; and ending the cycle of knife crime. Commitments on crime and policing apply to England and Wales, while those related to devolved matters such as health, social care, safeguarding and education apply to England only. The Home Office will continue working with the Welsh Government, Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Executive to ensure a coordinated UK-wide response. The Home Office has also published a news story outlining how schools in higher knife crime areas will receive specialist training and support to help divert children from serious violence