The UK government has implemented a ban on machetes and 'zombie' knives to combat the alarming rise in knife crime, a move supported by public figures like actor Idris Elba.

This new law took effect on September 24, 2023, following a four-week amnesty that encouraged individuals to surrender these weapons without facing penalties.

Under the new regulations, police are authorized to seize banned weapons and prosecute offenders, with potential prison sentences exceeding four years for possession.

Statistics reveal a concerning increase in knife-related incidents, with over 14,000 crimes involving specific types of knives reported in 2023, a significant rise from previous years.

Official figures show that 82% of teenage homicide victims were killed by knife attacks in the year leading up to March 2023, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.

Recent tragic incidents, including the murder of 14-year-old Gordon Gault and the fatal stabbing of 15-year-old Daejuan Campbell, have intensified calls for stricter measures against knife crime.

Concerns remain regarding the accessibility of knives online, with illegal sellers targeting minors through social media platforms.

The initiative to ban these weapons is part of a broader strategy to halve knife crime over the next decade, with ongoing support from community leaders and campaigners.

Possessors of the banned knives are urged to surrender them to police or charities before the law's enforcement.

The increase in knife crime is partially attributed to a 20% rise in knifepoint robberies, while knife-enabled homicides have remained stable.

Despite the rise in knife crime, overall rates remain below pre-pandemic levels, indicating a complex landscape of violence.

Labour leader Keir Starmer has pledged to combat online sales of these weapons, aiming to reduce such attacks by half within the next ten years.