England and Wales will see further restrictions on zombie-style knives as the government closes a legal loophole. Home Secretary James Cleverly is introducing new rules to Parliament on Thursday, with implementation expected in September. This marks the third time the UK has taken action against such knives since 2016. Changes will see the definition of zombie knives widened to ban weapons without threatening pictures or wording. The measure seeks to prevent the exploitation of a loophole by retailers.
Since 2016, zombie knives have been defined as weapons having a cutting or serrated edge and “images or words on the blade or handle that suggest that it is to be used for the purpose of violence”. A later definition was added in 2019 for “cyclone knives” featuring two spiralled blades. Under the new legislation, zombie knives with no threatening images or words will also be banned. The Home Office warns this aims to stop the exploitation of a loophole, with Mr Cleverly saying this change will support existing efforts making possession of such knives illegal.
The Criminal Justice Bill will also introduce an increase in maximum sentence time for the possession of banned weapons from six months to two years. Furthermore, the legislation aims to give police the authority to seize and destroy knives found in homes, where there are reasonable grounds to suspect they will be used for serious crime. Meanwhile, the Labour party is focusing on a programme of action plans for young persons at risk of becoming involved in knife crime.
Keir Starmer, Labour leader, warns that too many youths are making poor decisions and losing their chance at success to crime. He has announced the Young Futures programme, which will see £100m dedicated to employing new youth workers in mental-health hubs and accident-and-emergency departments. Supporters include Girlguiding UK, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and the Scout Association. Labour’s plan could subject young people caught with a knife to curfews, tagging, or behavioural contracts. The party has also pledged to strongly enforce legislation to accompany this programme.
In England and Wales, cautions and convictions for possession of a knife or offensive weapon amounted to just over 19,000 in the year ending March 2023. Around 18% of such cases involved offenders aged 10-17
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