UK minister announces plans to increase sentences for those involved in knife attacks

LONDON 

The UK government must tackle not only the possession of knives but also their supply, Policing Minister Diana Johnson said on Wednesday, as she defended plans to increase sentences for those involved in knife offenses.

Speaking on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Johnson emphasized that addressing knife crime requires a multi-pronged approach.

While existing measures have largely focused on possession, she argued that cracking down on the supply of knives—particularly to under-18s—must now be a priority.

“In the past, there’s been this focus on possession of knives, and that’s absolutely right,” Johnson said. “But we also now need to focus on the supply of knives, particularly to under-18s, and that’s why we’re putting the sentences up.”

She outlined new measures aimed at restricting access to knives, including tougher sentencing and stricter controls on online sales.

Bulk or suspicious purchases will be subject to mandatory reporting to the police, an effort to prevent illegal distribution.

The minister also stressed the importance of preventative measures, saying early intervention is critical in keeping young people out of knife crime.

“You need to get alongside those young people who are on the verge of getting involved in knife crime and put the support in,” she said. “They need to understand that carrying a knife is not about protecting yourself.”