UK Bans Ninja Swords Amid Surge in Knife Crime
The UK government has implemented a ban on ninja swords in England and Wales, effective from Friday, as part of a broader strategy to combat rising knife crime. The new law imposes prison sentences of up to four years for public possession and up to six months for private ownership, with potential increases under pending legislation. The measure follows a surge in knife attacks, including a tragic 2024 incident where a teenager killed three girls at a children’s recital.
Ministers have vowed to introduce tougher regulations on online weapon sales, including stronger age verification measures and bans on certain bladed items such as zombie knives and machetes. The ban is part of “Ronan’s Law” named after 16-year-old Ronan Kanda, who was killed in 2022 with a ninja sword. The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) supports the law, stating it will help reduce the presence of these weapons, particularly in gang-related violence.
Knife crime in England and Wales has seen an alarming 87% increase over the past decade, according to official data from the Home Office. In the last year alone, nearly 55,000 knife-related incidents were reported, a 2% increase from 2023. The Home Office also reports that over 1,000 weapons were surrendered during a recent month-long amnesty campaign aimed at removing dangerous items from the streets.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has acknowledged the severity of the issue, having previously described knife crime as an epidemic and promising to crack down on lethal weapons. The new law is intended to complement broader efforts to address the underlying causes of knife violence, including initiatives to explore why individuals carry knives and how to prevent it. The APCC has emphasized that the ban provides police with additional powers to seize such weapons and protect communities.
Under a proposed Crime and Policing Bill currently under consideration by Parliament, penalties for private possession of ninja swords could increase to two years in prison. The Home Office has confirmed that the ban is part of a wider government effort to curb knife violence, reflecting the growing public concern and pressure for stricter measures.