On a summer evening in June 2022, a tragic incident occurred when two sixteen-year-old boys ambushed and fatally stabbed my son, Ronan, as he walked home. The attackers used a 22-inch ninja sword to inflict fatal wounds on Ronan, piercing his abdomen and heart.

The weapon used in the attack was purchased online by one of the assailants, who then obtained it from the post office using a fake ID. This incident raised concerns about the unrestricted sale of dangerous weapons by retailers and the lack of proper identification checks to prevent such tragedies.

Following the devastating loss of my son, I sought answers and change, leading me to meet with Sir Keir Starmer, who was then the Leader of the Opposition. Despite my initial skepticism towards politicians, I found in Sir Keir Starmer a compassionate listener who understood the urgency of addressing the issue at hand.

Sir Keir Starmer made a commitment to ban ninja swords if his party came into power, a promise that has since been fulfilled by the current Prime Minister. The Labour Government has taken decisive action against knife crime, enacting Ronan’s Law, which not only prohibits the sale of ninja swords but also imposes penalties on retailers who sell knives to minors.

Additionally, the government has implemented stringent measures, including fines for tech companies that host knife-related content and enhanced ID verification processes for purchasing knives. These steps have closed loopholes in the system and curtailed the online weapons market, holding retailers accountable for their actions.

The introduction of an amnesty scheme, in conjunction with Ronan’s Law, has led to a successful initiative to surrender weapons, with over 7,000 weapons surrendered through amnesty vans and bins across the country. This collaborative effort involving various stakeholders has significantly reduced knife-enabled robberies in key areas, demonstrating the effectiveness of unified action.

Furthermore, the government’s Young Futures programme focuses on prevention by identifying and supporting at-risk youth in schools to deter them from criminal activities. By investing in early intervention and community resilience, the government aims to address the root causes of violence and provide young people with positive alternatives.

As a grieving mother advocating against knife crime, I applaud the government’s commitment to protecting future generations and honoring my son’s memory through legislative action. Ronan’s Law stands as a testament to the progress achieved in combating knife crime, but continued collaboration with stakeholders is essential to sustain these efforts and drive further change.

I express my gratitude to the government for enacting robust legislation in memory of my son and urge them to maintain momentum in tackling knife crime. Together, we can work towards a future where young lives are no longer lost to senseless violence, standing united behind the government’s goal to reduce knife crime by half within the next decade.