Yesterday, the Home Office announced further action to tackle the sale of online knives, following the horrific attacks in Nottingham last year. Now, anyone caught selling knives to children will face two years in prison – up from six months.
I have always been committed to combatting knife crime through legislative efforts, community initiatives, and support for law enforcement to draw down knife crime in our region.
Specifically, I have advocated for stricter laws to ban dangerous weapons, including ninja swords, zombie-style blades, and machetes. Dangerous weapons shouldn’t be easily obtainable, and the law must now match up to the growing trend of accessing them online.
The Government is serious about tackling knife crime, and this announcement is a huge step towards prevention by addressing the clear issue of online knife sales.
Through collaboration, we have already seen a positive impact in Oldham and across Greater Manchester – with crime rates dropping and communities feeling safer. Reducing the availability of dangerous weapons will drive down knife crime and prevent horrific attacks, such as the tragedy in Nottingham.
Together, we can make our communities safer.
Jim McMahon OBE MP 