Sir Keir Starmer pledges action to prevent online knife sales to minors
Southport: Sir Keir Starmer is stepping up to tackle the issue of under-18s buying knives online. He pointed out how easy it is for people like Axel Rudakubana to get weapons.
Rudakubana used a knife he bought from Amazon to kill three girls at a dance class themed around Taylor Swift. This tragic event happened in July.
The government is looking to introduce new laws that would require retailers to ask for two forms of ID when someone tries to buy a knife.
During Prime Minister’s Questions, Starmer expressed his outrage, saying it’s unacceptable that murder weapons can be purchased with just a couple of clicks. He believes technology can help prevent this.
He also mentioned the heartbreaking loss of three young lives in Southport and emphasized the need for real change to protect citizens and children.
Starmer assured that the public inquiry will hold institutions accountable for their failures in this case.
Under the proposed changes, buyers might need to show an official ID, like a passport, and even record a video to prove their age.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper called it a disgrace that Rudakubana, who had a violent past, could buy a knife online. She promised new measures in the upcoming Crime and Policing Bill.
In an article for The Sun, Starmer highlighted how easy it is for kids to access deadly knives and stressed the lessons that must be learned from this case.
He pointed out that Rudakubana had a history of carrying knives and still managed to order one online without any checks.
The urgency for action on knife crime was further underscored by the recent stabbing of a 12-year-old boy in Birmingham, which led to the arrest of a 14-year-old.
Commander Stephen Clayman is reviewing online knife sales and is now speeding up his report due to these recent events.
The upcoming Crime and Policing Bill will also introduce penalties for tech executives whose companies don’t comply with knife sale laws.
Currently, retailers are required to verify a customer’s age before selling a knife, but this is often done only at the point of delivery for online purchases.
An Amazon spokesperson stated that they take their responsibility seriously and are investigating this tragic case. They use ID verification services to check details when someone orders a knife.
They also have a process to verify the recipient’s age before delivering any age-restricted items.
