A series of campaigning programmes, addressing the menace of knife crime in the UK, are launched today on Sky1. Collaborating with police forces around the country the week-long event starts with a live show on 14 October and close with a second live show on 21 October, both presented by Donal MacIntyre and June Sarpong.
The series will highlight the work of those on the front line; feature the stories of those affected directly, both the victims and perpetrators; examine ways to get knives off the streets; and, looking to the future, explore means of tackling the problem. War On Knives will unite the nation with interactive programming that invites viewers to contribute via emails and a red button and online questionnaire. Cameras stationed around the UK will follow the stories of concerned communities, local police forces and initiatives that seek to find a solution.
"Knife crime and the toll exacted in recent months and years, on our young in particular, is one of the most important issues facing communities today," says Donal MacIntyre. "Remember, if a whole generation is casual about knives today then tomorrow it's guns and already we are seeing that trend developing."
"War On Knives is so important because this is the biggest problem currently affecting society and, in particular, young people," adds June Sarpong. "It's shocking what is happening on the streets and something has clearly shifted in the minds of these young people - we need to act now and get involved in finding practical solutions before it is out of control."
Throughout the week, between the live shows, the drive will continue with short programmes running on Sky's network of channels with a raft of celebrities lending their support to the anti-knife campaign. Among those are Olympic Gold medallist boxer James DeGale, singer Estelle and Brooke Kinsella, the former EastEnders actress whose 16-year-old brother, Ben, was killed in June.
Watched the programme last night. Still amazed that parents/leaders etc are blaming anyone they can. In my opinion if we stopped promoting single parent families and mothers/fathers actually spent time with their children rather than using them as a commodity/a way to getting a house/benefits/their man, then this would aleviate most of this crime! I remember my mother spending a lot of quality time with me reading, playing, teaching me whats right/wrong..we now seem to have a generation who believe that having a baby conceived through "a one night stand or a drunken spree", is morally acceptable. Last night they were concentrating on the more senior years of children to educate them. How about educating our young women on responsibility! I cant belive we now live in a society where we have to teach adults on parenting!!! PS, i know this doesnt relate to all young parents...
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