Labour's Shadow Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has demanded immediate action to ban the sale of so-called 'ninja swords' and other lethal weapons in an effort to curb the rising tide of knife crime across the UK.
Speaking at a recent press conference, Cooper highlighted the alarming ease with which these dangerous blades can be purchased online, often without proper age verification. She stressed that such weapons have no place in society and called for stricter regulations to prevent their circulation.
Growing Concerns Over Knife Crime
Knife crime remains a pressing issue in the UK, with police forces reporting a steady increase in violent incidents involving bladed weapons. Cooper argued that banning items like ninja swords—which are designed for combat rather than practical use—could help reduce the availability of deadly tools to potential offenders.
"Weapons like these serve no legitimate purpose," Cooper stated. "They are being exploited by criminals, and we must take decisive action to get them off our streets."
Government Response Under Scrutiny
The Labour MP criticised the Conservative government for what she described as a "lack of urgency" in addressing the issue. She urged ministers to expand existing knife crime legislation to include a wider range of prohibited items.
"The law hasn't kept pace with the changing nature of weapon sales," Cooper said. "Online marketplaces make it far too easy for dangerous items to end up in the wrong hands."
Public and Police Support
Cooper's proposal has garnered support from law enforcement officials, who have long advocated for tougher measures against the sale of combat-style knives. Police chiefs argue that restricting access to such weapons could help prevent violent crimes before they occur.
Campaigners against knife violence have also welcomed the move, emphasising the need for a multi-faceted approach that includes education, enforcement, and legislative reform.
As the debate continues, pressure mounts on the government to act swiftly in closing legal loopholes that allow dangerous weapons to remain accessible.
