The government has announced new measures to crack down on the online sale of knives, with stricter rules for retailers and harsher penalties for those who fail to enforce them. Named ‘Ronan’s Law’ in memory of 16-year-old Ronan Kanda, who was fatally stabbed in a case of mistaken identity in 2022, the legislation aims to close loopholes that have allowed dangerous weapons to be sold online with minimal oversight.
Stricter controls on online knife sales
Retailers will now be required to report suspicious or bulk purchases of knives to the police. This is intended to prevent individuals from illegally reselling weapons through social media platforms. There will also be an increase in prison sentences for those found guilty of selling knives to under-18s, rising from six months to two years. This penalty could apply to individual employees involved in a sale or even the CEO of the company.
Additionally, a new offence of possessing an offensive weapon with intent to cause violence is being introduced. This will carry a sentence of up to four years in prison and will apply to both legal and banned weapons, reinforcing the government’s commitment to tackling knife crime at multiple levels.
Addressing loopholes in age verification
An independent review by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has highlighted weaknesses in current laws surrounding online knife sales. According to the report, buyers have been able to evade age verification with ease, sometimes using a parent’s ID or bypassing checks altogether. The government’s response is to introduce a two-step verification process, requiring photo ID to be provided at the point of sale and again upon delivery.
There is also discussion about implementing a registration scheme for all online retailers selling knives. This would mean only approved sellers could offer bladed weapons, reducing the risk of irresponsible sales. A consultation on this proposal will take place later this year.
The role of businesses and delivery firms
Retailers and delivery companies will be expected to take greater responsibility under the new measures. Delivery firms will only be allowed to hand over a bladed item to the same person who purchased it, preventing underage buyers from using a proxy to collect orders. The British Retail Consortium has welcomed the changes but is awaiting further details on how they will be implemented.
However, there are concerns about the availability of secure delivery options. Royal Mail has stopped allowing the shipment of bladed items, meaning retailers and buyers must rely on alternative carriers. FedEx currently offers an ID verification service for age-restricted items, but it remains to be seen whether other courier services will introduce similar measures to accommodate the new regulations.
Patrick Green, CEO of the Ben Kinsella Trust, has supported the move, stating that licensing sellers is the only way to ensure knives are sold responsibly. “A licensing system will ensure that only reputable retailers who comply with the law and prioritise public safety will be able to sell knives,” he said.
Will these changes be effective?
The crackdown is a significant step towards addressing the online sale of knives, but questions remain about enforcement. While stricter ID checks and reporting requirements will make it harder for young people to access weapons, criminals may still find ways to circumvent the rules. The effectiveness of these measures will depend heavily on whether businesses comply fully and whether enforcement agencies have the resources to act on reported cases.
There is also the challenge of ensuring online marketplaces outside of the UK do not provide an alternative route for buyers looking to bypass the new laws. Without international cooperation, determined individuals may still find ways to access knives through overseas retailers.
A broader effort to tackle knife crime
These new measures are part of a wider government plan to halve knife crime over the next decade. Other initiatives include banning zombie-style knives and machetes, as well as introducing significant fines for tech companies that fail to remove illegal knife crime content from their platforms. The Young Futures Programme has also been launched to identify and support young people at risk of becoming involved in violent crime.
While Ronan’s Law is a step in the right direction, its success will depend on how rigorously it is enforced and whether additional loopholes emerge. Campaigners, including Ronan’s mother Pooja Kanda, have welcomed the changes but believe there is still more work to be done. “This is a much-needed beginning,” she said. “I wish this was done years ago, and my son would be with me today.”
