St Giles warmly welcomes the Home Office announcement (15 October 2025) of a reduction in knife-related robberies. We commend the crucial role of the police in achieving this progress.
However, lasting reductions in knife crime depend on sustained investment in prevention as well as enforcement. The creation of Prevention Partnership Panels and Young Futures Hubs is a positive step, but these must complement — not replace — the proven work of Violence Reduction Units (VRUs) and Violence Reduction Partnerships (VRPs). The West Midlands, showing a 30% reduction in knife crime, is a strong example of the success these partnerships can deliver. Similar reductions have been achieved in London. Last year, London recorded the lowest number of homicides for under-25s for more than two decades. Additionally, figures also reveal 1,154 fewer knife crime offences in the 12 months to August 2025 – a seven per cent drop – and a reduction in hospital admissions of under-25s for knife assaults in London in the 12 months to June 2025 (source).
Working across hospitals, schools, prisons and communities, these partnerships provide early intervention, helping young people turn to a trusted adult rather than a weapon at a time of crisis. At the Royal London Hospital Major Trauma Centre, St Giles’ hospital-based team — funded through the VRU — reduced re-admission rates to just 7%, compared to the national average of 35% over a 5 year term.
Our experience shows that fear, poverty, trauma, exclusion from education and lack of opportunity are key drivers of youth violence. Tackling these issues means meeting young people where they are — through trusted professionals with lived experience who can engage those most at risk and guide them towards safety and stability.
If we are to end knife crime for good, we must invest in what works – long-term, community-led, evidence-based prevention rooted in lived experience. Enforcement alone cannot solve this issue; only through partnership, trust, and opportunity can we give every young person the chance of a safe and hopeful future.