The U.K.’s Labour government has announced a crackdown on knife crime, specifically targeting ninja swords. Prime Minister Keir Starmer revealed that ninja swords would be banned starting August 1 following the murder of 16-year-old Ronan Kanda, who was stabbed to death with a ninja sword outside his home in 2022. The new ban, known as “Ronan’s Law,” makes it illegal to possess, sell, make, or import ninja swords. Ronan’s mother, Pooja Kanda, has been campaigning for this ban, stating that ninja swords have no place in society other than to cause harm and death.
To enforce the ban, the British government has set up a surrender process for ninja sword owners, defined as blades between 14 and 24 inches with a straight cutting edge and tanto-style point. From August 1, anyone caught in private possession of a ninja sword could face up to 6 months in prison, and this penalty will increase to 2 years under the new Crime and Policing Bill. Knife crime has been a significant issue in the U.K., with offenses involving sharp instruments still substantially higher than in 2010, despite a decrease from a peak in 2019. Various types of knives are already banned in the U.K., with exceptions for cooking and work-related knives with blades under three inches.
Under Ronan’s Law, jail sentences have been increased for selling knives to minors and illegally selling banned knives. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the urgency of preventing dangerous weapons from falling into the wrong hands to prevent further tragedies like Ronan Kanda’s murder. The government’s goal is to halve knife crime over the next decade by taking action to prevent young people from being drawn into violence and accessing deadly weapons. The announcement of the ban on ninja swords highlights the government’s commitment to addressing the issue of knife crime and protecting the public from harm.
The ban on ninja swords is part of the government’s efforts to tackle knife crime and prevent further tragedies like the murder of Ronan Kanda. The surrender process for ninja sword owners aims to remove these lethal weapons from circulation and reduce the risk of violence in society. Penalties for possession of ninja swords have been increased to deter individuals from owning such weapons. The government’s focus on addressing knife crime includes enforcing existing bans on various types of knives and strengthening laws related to the sale of knives to minors and the illegal sale of banned knives.
The announcement of the ban on ninja swords follows the tragic murder of Ronan Kanda and his mother’s advocacy for stricter laws regarding these lethal weapons. The new legislation, known as Ronan’s Law, reflects the government’s commitment to combating knife crime and protecting the public from harm. Increased penalties for possessing and selling ninja swords, along with efforts to prevent young people from accessing dangerous weapons, are central to the government’s strategy to reduce violence and save lives. By taking decisive action to address knife crime, the U.K. aims to create a safer environment for all its citizens and prevent future tragedies.
