UK Bans Ninja Swords as 1,000 Weapons Surrendered in Knife Crime Crackdown

The UK government has officially banned the buying and selling of ninja swords as part of a broader campaign to fight rising knife crime across England and Wales. This action comes in the wake of a horrifying attack on July 29, 2024, when teenager Axel Rudakubana fatally stabbed three girls and injured ten others at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event for children in Southport. The incident deeply shocked the nation and intensified calls for stricter knife laws.

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In response, the Home Office launched a month-long weapons amnesty throughout July. Citizens were encouraged to drop off knives and other dangerous weapons in designated bins or mobile units without fear of prosecution. At least 1,000 weapons were surrendered during the campaign. A mobile van will also be deployed at the upcoming Notting Hill Carnival to further curb potential knife-related violence. The new ban targets specific types of dangerous blades, including machetes, zombie knives, and ninja swords symbolic of a push toward "Ronan's Law," named after 16-year-old Ronan Kanda, who was killed with a ninja sword in 2022. The government has also promised tougher age verification for knife buyers and warned social media platforms they could face fines if they allow weapon promotion or sales online.

While the government calls these actions a success, charities and crime experts argue that more must be done to address the root causes of youth violence, including mental health, poverty, and online radicalization.

The knife crime situation in the UK remains serious, with a reported 54,587 knife-related offences recorded last year alone an increase of 2% from 2023 and an 87% rise over the past decade. This puts England and Wales among the European countries with the highest knife crime rates. Although the government says knife-related robberies have decreased in some of the highest-risk areas, critics warn that banning weapons is only part of the solution. According to government data, knife-related robberies in seven key regions have dropped, accounting for just 6% of all robberies in the year ending June 2025 down from 14% the previous year. Officials see this as early proof that the crackdown is having an effect, though no full report has been published yet. However, the interior ministry has not confirmed whether the amnesty bins will remain in place after July.

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Many advocacy groups and individuals affected by knife violence welcome the bans and tighter controls but argue they fail to address the emotional and societal issues that drive people especially young men to carry weapons. Martin Cosser, a father whose son was stabbed to death two years ago, said the problem is not just about access to blades but also the emotional state of those who wield them. The tragic attack in Southport sparked a fresh wave of public pressure, leading to swift action from the government. Still, campaigners insist more holistic strategies are needed, such as increased investment in youth programs, education, mental health support, and community policing. The UK government faces ongoing pressure to not just respond to knife crime with bans, but also to engage with long-term strategies that prevent violence from happening in the first place.