New laws aim to stop easy online knife sales to minors after report reveals age check loopholes. Tougher penalties follow.
Cooper said it’s crazy buying alcohol has more checks. Yet, knives are lethal weapons. That’s why they must change the law.
A new police unit will stop weapon sales on social media. The government might require licenses, and stiffer sentences could hit sellers. Alice da Silva Aguiar’s death highlights this need. Pooja Kanda’s son died from a sword bought online.
She thinks he would be alive if these laws existed. The Mirror reported this. MPs will debate the laws next week. Online stores must report suspicious bulk buys. Not doing so could cost £10,000.
Commander Clayman wrote a report, stating current knife sale laws are weak. They are weaker than laws for alcohol or fireworks. A weapon “grey market” exists on Snapchat and Telegram.
His report highlights Weapons R Us, who inflate blade prices on social media. Clayman’s findings suggest life-saving actions. The Home Office will punish those selling knives to kids.
Prison time could jump from six months to two years. This impacts both sellers and company CEOs. Having a weapon with violent intent will be a crime. It could mean four years in jail. The Home Office wants a knife vendor registration scheme.
Cooper talked about Ronan’s murder. It shows why new laws are urgent. One killer bought a 20-inch knife online with his mom’s ID. Ronan died after a mistaken attack in 2022.
His mother, Pooja, now fights for stricter rules. Ms. Cooper visited Ronan’s family and school. Cooper said proper checks did not happen. The system has dangerous gaps. It lets people easily buy knives nationwide.
She feels driven by talks with grieving families. Losing a child is a parent’s worst fear. Families campaigning show courage, and their stories highlight what went wrong.
Clayman’s review showed issues with online knife sales. He said they see knife crime’s horrific results. People easily buy knives online, and they often bypass age checks. Clayman claims his changes will help fight the crisis.
Businesses require licenses to sell knives legally. The system will ensure age checks work; penalties match the crime. Supplying knives illegally should not be less serious than possessing them. Patrick Green supports the government listening.
The Ben Kinsella Trust’s CEO finds new laws helpful. Laws focus on reporting and strong age verification. Retailers must accept responsibility for their actions. He believes only licensing ensures safe knife sales.
Reputable retailers prioritize public safety. A license system ensures they comply.