Idris Elba warns of mandatory prison for carrying a knife

Image source , PA Media

By Oliver Slow and Callum MayBBC News

Actor Idris Elba says there is no 'one-size-fits-all' answer to tackling knife crime, after victims' families called for mandatory prison possession conditions.

Dr Sinead O'Malley, whose daughter was killed Nottingham last year called for mandatory prison sentences.

Elba said deterrents were crucial, but some people carried knives by fear.

It comes as the government announced plans to close “a legal loophole” to ban the sale of zombie knives.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Elba said many young people - usually young men - carry knives because they are afraid, because they were stabbed themselves or saw someone. another stabbed.

"He walks around a neighborhood and thinks I'm going to protect myself here - he ends up in prison for five years. You wonder if we win?", asked The Wire and Luther actor.

Elba added that it is important to have a deterrent to let young people know they will pay a penalty for carrying a knife - but argued that there are "gradients" in the problem.

"As a deterrent, this is a very important step to consider, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution," he said. he declares.