Ban carrying all knives regardless of length in public and increase sentences

We want the Government to change the laws surrounding knifes. It is currently legal to have a knife of 3 inches that folds. This can still be a deadly weapon. We want carrying a knife, of any length, in public to be illegal, and sentences for illegal possession of a knife to be increased.

After the death of my 18 year old son Cameron we believe it is increasingly clear that there are massive flaws in the laws surrounding knife crime. Knife crime offences are increasing and we believe not enough is being done to deter people from carrying, and that the sentences given do not reflect the value of human life that is lost almost daily due to knife crime. It is my hope that enough people can get behind this and we can collectively bring about a change to give justice to families like mine who have suffered an immeasurable loss, and to also try and prevent it happening to others.

We were deeply saddened to hear about the abhorrent circumstances in which Cameron was killed, and we would firstly like to express our deepest condolences to his family for their unimaginable loss.

The Government is committed to keeping legislation around possession of knives under close review, including specific types of bladed article, while also tackling the root causes of knife crime and preventing young people heading down this path.

Current legislation on possession includes the offence of having an article with a blade or point in a public place. The maximum penalty for this offence is 4 years’ imprisonment.

There is an exemption to this offence for small, non-locking, folding pocket knives with a cutting edge no longer than 3” (7.62cm). Small, non-locking, folding pocket knives are carried by many people for common everyday tasks. These types of knives are not designed for use as weapons, and if they are used in a stabbing motion, they tend to fold shut, causing injury to the fingers of the person holding the knife.

The legislation strikes a balance between enabling members of the public to have knives for legitimate everyday tasks, whilst giving the police and courts the powers to address criminality, and already providing an appropriate range of sentencing options for possession offences.

However, we keep legislation in this area under close review, and recently the Government took action to ban zombie-style knives and machetes, and this took effect on 24 September. It is now an offence to possess, supply, sell or manufacture these knives. The Government is also committed to introducing a ban on ninja swords and has just announced the start of the Review of Online Sales of Knives that is being led by a senior police officer, Commander Clayman from the Metropolitan Police.