Zombie No More: Home Office Unveils Stricter Laws Against Deadly Blades

Jermaine Cools, 14, with his mother Lorraine Dudek (Supplied)

The Home Office has launched a robust initiative to address the issue of dangerous weapons, particularly zombie-style knives, with plans to implement a ban. Home Secretary James Cleverly has emphasized the government's commitment to tackling violent crime by closing a loophole in the existing legislation. Although zombie knives were initially prohibited in 2016, new amendments to the Criminal Justice Act 1988 aim to strengthen measures and prevent retailers from selling these perilous weapons without violating the law.

Zombie knife attack in front of terrified child in Hackney, east London (PA)

In a recent meeting with police chiefs in Kent, Cleverly discussed youth violence prevention projects and participated in a foot patrol of Gravesend town center. Responding to queries about the delayed legislation, the minister stated, "We have already taken action to make the carrying of zombie knives illegal." He highlighted the urgency of the secondary legislation to make possession illegal and eliminate the existing loophole. The proposed ban, effective from September, will criminalize the possession, sale, manufacture, and transportation of zombie-style knives and machetes.

The government's definition of zombie knives includes blades with a cutting edge, a serrated edge, and images or words suggesting their use for violence. To encourage compliance, a surrender scheme will be in place, allowing individuals to relinquish their weapons without facing consequences before the law takes effect.

Idris Elba during the launch of his Don't Stop Your Future campaign in Parliament Square (PA)

Cleverly asserted that the current steps aim to further strengthen the government's ability to combat knife crime, citing a significant reduction in such incidents since 2019. In addition to the weapon ban, the government seeks to increase penalties for possessing banned weapons, proposing a maximum sentence extension from six months to two years.

Home Secretary James Cleverly accompanies police officers on a foot patrol on Gravesend High Street (Carl Court/PA Wire)

While the announcement was met with approval from some quarters, Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper criticized the delayed prohibition of these weapons and accused the government of inadequate legislation. The government faces calls to address loopholes and take more comprehensive measures, with actor Idris Elba launching the "Don't Stop Your Future" campaign advocating for an immediate ban on machetes and zombie knives.

In response to rising concerns about knife crime, Labour announced a £100 million youth program aimed at identifying and supporting young individuals at risk of being drawn into violent activities. Despite a reduction in knife crime since 2019, recent Metropolitan Police figures reveal a concerning number of stabbings in London, with fears intensifying after several high-profile incidents involving teenagers, including the tragic death of Harry Pitman on New Year's Eve.

The proposed legislation is part of a broader effort to address the complex issue of knife crime, with a focus on prevention, penalties, and community engagement.

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