In the UK, stabbing someone can lead to charges like grievous bodily harm (GBH), which can be Section 20 GBH (less serious) or Section 18 GBH (with intent to cause serious harm). The severity of the charge and potential sentence depend on the extent of the injury and the intent of the person who stabbed. Other potential charges are assault with a deadly weapon, general assault, affray, manslaughter and obviously murder. 

Our argument is; "the intent of the person who stabbed" is always attempted murder. Attempted murder involves a deliberate act with a lethal weapon, indicating intent to cause death. The use of a knife, which can easily penetrate vital organs, suggests a high likelihood of fatal consequences, meeting the threshold for what defines intent. The act in stabbing someone is widely known to have the potential to result in death, which aligns with the definition of attempted murder. Everyone knows the risks of a knife wound, there is no other intent. If someone really wants to hurt someone else (although we obviously do not condone the use of violence), a punch, a shove, a slap? The intent is only to hurt an individual but to stab someone is attempting to end their life. 

Knife crime profoundly impacts communities, particularly in urban areas, creating a pervasive sense of fear, trauma, and social disruption. Its effects ripple across individuals, families, and societal structures, exacerbating cycles of violence and inequality. Whilst addressing root causes such as poverty, inequality and a lack of opportunity in more deprived areas is critical and improving on our strategies to improve early intervention, mental health support, and community-led initiatives are essential to break the cycle and foster safer, more cohesive communities, our first port of call must be to increase the severity of the sentence given to those who cause the most damage (especially towards young people) in our society.