For the first time retailers will be required to report suspicious and bulk purchases of knives on their platforms to police, alongside stronger age verification checks under plans announced by the Government this morning
The sentence for selling weapons to under 18s will increase from six months to up to two years prison time, which could apply to an individual who has processed the sale or a CEO of the company.
This increased penalty will also apply to the sale or supply of prohibited offensive weapons such as recently banned zombie-style knives, following police evidence outlined by Commander Stephen Clayman, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for knife crime, where he identified a discrepancy in current legislation which means there is more leniency for illegally selling weapons than possessing one.
And in recognition of the broad array of knives – legal or banned – that are involved in knife attacks, a new offence of possessing an offensive weapon with intent for violence will be introduced in the Crime and Policing Bill which will come with a prison sentence of up to four years in prison. This means that no matter if the weapon in possession is legal or not, if there is intent to cause violence, it is a crime.
The government has also announced that it will also explore through a consultation later this year whether a registration scheme should be put in place for all online retailers selling knives so that only responsible sellers are able to sell knives.
This follows their recent announcement that they will significantly strengthen ID checks on the sale and delivery of knives to keep our streets safe as part of the Plan for Change.
Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper said:
“It is horrifying how easy it is for young people to get hold of knives online even though children’s lives are being lost, and families and communities are left devastated as a result.
“Not enough has been done to tackle the online market over recent years which is why we made it an urgent priority in our manifesto and the measures today will be underpinned by investment for a new dedicated police unit to go after those who are breaking the law and putting children and teenagers lives at risk.
“We are honouring our commitment to introduce Ronan’s Law in memory of Ronan Kanda who was tragically killed in 2022. I am so grateful to the Kanda family for their endless perseverance in ensuring governments take the right actions to protect young people from further tragedy.
“This government has set an ambitious mission for the country to halve knife crime over the next decade and we will pursue every possible avenue to save young lives.”
