The crackdown will focus on larger so called zombie knives
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The Home Secretary James Cleverly welcomes fresh legislative measures to tackle knife crime.
Zombie-style knives were first banned in 2016 but ministers hope new tighter measures will stop some retailers being able to sell dangerous knives and machetes without breaking the law.
The legislation will introduce new measures including making it illegal to possess, sell, manufacture or transport zombie-style knives and machetes. Zombie knives are currently defined by the Government as a blade with “a cutting edge, a serrated edge and images or words suggesting it is used for violence”.
The purchasing of kitchen knives already requires proof of age. Credit: Nawal Abdisamad for City News
‘Glaring Loopholes’
Reports suggest the fresh legislation will be introduced to Parliament.
City News contacted the Home Office to ask when specifically this legislation would be put before Parliament.
I’m not going to claim it’s going to overnight fix all the issues with knife crime, but it’s an important part of it.
Policing Minister Chris Philip talking to LBC
Labour said the changes had already been promised by six Conservative home secretaries and “loopholes” mean they do not go far enough to be a “comprehensive ban”.
Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated “six Tory Home Secretaries have promised these changes, and still they don’t go anywhere near far enough and don’t match Labour’s plans for a comprehensive ban. Labour would close these glaring loopholes in the Government’s plans”.
‘A step in the right direction’
Actor and Idris Elba welcomed the new ban as a “step in the right direction” but expressed reservations about its efficacy if legislative gaps remain.
“Unfortunately it doesn’t ban all knives, including swords. However, the significant step towards zombie knives and machetes is something that I think is really important,” he said.
In early January, Mr Elba appeared at the Don’t Stop Your Future campaign outside Parliament where clothes were laid out to represent those killed by knives on UK streets.
The grassroots campaign works with brands and communities to amplify marginalised voices in relation to knife violence.
Knife Crime Statistics
The Home Secretary said “we’ve seen a very significant reduction in knife crime [since 2019]”….We have a plan which is working and driving down knife crime.”
There were 14,841 instances of knife crime offences in the capital in 2023 – an increase of 17.1% compared to the previous year. 1,340 knife crime victims in the same period were under 25.
Croydon was the borough with the highest prevalence of knife crime injuries, whereas Westminster has the highest rate by population.
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HeadlineWe must give young people a way out, says Home Secretary on knife crime
Short HeadlineHome Secretary supports knife crime crackdown
StandfirstNew legislation is set to be introduced to Parliament, which aims to close the loophole on outlawing the weapons.
The Home Secretary James Cleverly welcomes fresh legislative measures to tackle knife crime.
Zombie-style knives were first banned in 2016 but ministers hope new tighter measures will stop some retailers being able to sell dangerous knives and machetes without breaking the law.
The legislation will introduce new measures including making it illegal to possess, sell, manufacture or transport zombie-style knives and machetes. Zombie knives are currently defined by the Government as a blade with “a cutting edge, a serrated edge and images or words suggesting it is used for violence”.
The purchasing of kitchen knives already requires proof of age. Credit: Nawal Abdisamad for City News
‘Glaring Loopholes’
Reports suggest the fresh legislation will be introduced to Parliament.
City News contacted the Home Office to ask when specifically this legislation would be put before Parliament.
I’m not going to claim it’s going to overnight fix all the issues with knife crime, but it’s an important part of it.
Policing Minister Chris Philip talking to LBC
Labour said the changes had already been promised by six Conservative home secretaries and “loopholes” mean they do not go far enough to be a “comprehensive ban”.
Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated “six Tory Home Secretaries have promised these changes, and still they don’t go anywhere near far enough and don’t match Labour’s plans for a comprehensive ban. Labour would close these glaring loopholes in the Government’s plans”.
‘A step in the right direction’
Actor and Idris Elba welcomed the new ban as a “step in the right direction” but expressed reservations about its efficacy if legislative gaps remain.
“Unfortunately it doesn’t ban all knives, including swords. However, the significant step towards zombie knives and machetes is something that I think is really important,” he said.
In early January, Mr Elba appeared at the Don’t Stop Your Future campaign outside Parliament where clothes were laid out to represent those killed by knives on UK streets.
The grassroots campaign works with brands and communities to amplify marginalised voices in relation to knife violence.
Knife Crime Statistics
The Home Secretary said “we’ve seen a very significant reduction in knife crime [since 2019]”….We have a plan which is working and driving down knife crime.”
There were 14,841 instances of knife crime offences in the capital in 2023 – an increase of 17.1% compared to the previous year. 1,340 knife crime victims in the same period were under 25.
Croydon was the borough with the highest prevalence of knife crime injuries, whereas Westminster has the highest rate by population.
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