Sword embargo initiation in the UK as approximately 1,000 bladed weapons are surrendered during a nationwide amnesty specifically for ninja swords
In a bid to curb the rising issue of gang-related violence affecting young people in the United Kingdom, a new restriction on Ninja swords has been introduced. Known as Ronan's Law, the ban was named after 16-year-old Ronan Kanda, who tragically lost his life in 2022 due to a fatal stabbing with a ninja sword.
As of August 1, 2025, it is now illegal to own, sell, or import ninja swords in England and Wales. Possession in public carries a prison sentence of up to four years, while possession in private can result in up to six months in prison. This penalty is expected to increase to two years under the upcoming Crime and Policing Bill.
This ban is part of a broader knife crime crackdown that includes tougher age checks, bans on zombie-style knives and machetes, and efforts to combat gang-related violence, especially among youth. The policy response intensified following high-profile violent incidents, including a 2024 stabbing attack at a children's dance event in Southport which claimed the lives of three girls and injured ten others.
The government is also targeting online sales and promotion of knives on social media as part of its comprehensive knife crime legislation. A national amnesty was launched in July 2025, encouraging people, particularly young people, to surrender bladed weapons anonymously via special bins or mobile vans. Since the program began, at least 1,000 weapons have been surrendered.
Knife crime in England and Wales has surged by 87% over the past decade, with over 54,000 incidents reported in the past year alone. The levels of knife crime in England and Wales have been some of the highest seen in Europe. The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) believes the ban on Ninja swords will make a significant difference in the availability of deadly weapons, particularly in relation to gang-related violence affecting young people.
The new law is a significant step in the government's ongoing efforts to reduce the escalating knife crime and ensure the safety of its citizens, especially the youth.
The newly introduced ban on Ninja swords, known as Ronan's Law, is a significant step in the government's ongoing efforts to combat gang-related violence, specifically among young people. This law is part of a broader policy response aimed at curbing knife crime, which has seen a surge of 87% over the past decade in England and Wales.
Under the upcoming Crime and Policing Bill, the penalty for possessing a Ninja sword in public could increase to two years in prison, demonstrating the government's commitment to addressing general-news issues like crime and justice.
