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On 11 February 2026, the Government announced that every child caught carrying a knife in England and Wales will receive a mandatory, tailored intervention plan backed by £320 million in Youth Justice Services funding.

Summary of Commander Stephen Clayman's independent review into online knife sales, commissioned following the Southport attack. The review examines age verification failures, grey market sales, delivery loopholes, and makes eight recommendations for reform including a knife retailer licensing scheme.

A 2020 research study from De Montfort University demonstrates that rounded-tip kitchen knives cannot penetrate clothing fabrics, offering a potential crime reduction measure through safer knife design.

The Youth Justice Board's 2025 Evidence and Insights Pack provides guidance on effective approaches to reduce knife crime among young people.

The Government is seeking views on proposals to introduce a licensing system for sellers and importers of knives and bladed articles. This aims to strengthen knife legislation, improve enforcement, and reduce knife crime.

As part of the Government’s Safer Streets Mission to halve knife crime in a decade, the Bill strengthens the law on the online sale of knives and ensures that the police and the courts have the necessary powers to get offensive weapons off the streets.