On a summer evening on June 29, 2022, a tragic incident unfolded as my son, Ronan, was making his way home. Two teenagers, aged sixteen, approached him from behind and inflicted fatal stab wounds with a 22-inch ninja sword, piercing his abdomen and heart.
The perpetrator had purchased the lethal weapon online using a fake ID, raising concerns about the unchecked distribution of such dangerous items. This prompted me to question the responsibility of retailers selling weapons designed for harm or violence.
Meeting with Sir Keir Starmer, the Leader of the Opposition at the time, was a turning point. Despite initial skepticism about politicians, I found in him a compassionate listener willing to address the injustice. The ongoing sale of the ninja sword that claimed my son’s life highlighted regulatory loopholes that needed to be closed.
Assurances from Sir Keir Starmer that a ban on ninja swords would be enforced upon assuming power were fulfilled when the Labour Government took office. Under Ronan’s Law, not only were ninja swords prohibited, but stringent measures were introduced. Tech companies failing to remove knife-related content can face fines up to £60,000, and penalties were established for retailers selling knives to minors, with mandatory two-step ID verification.
The government’s proactive approach in tackling knife crime extended to implementing an effective amnesty scheme preceding Ronan’s Law. Collaborating with FazAmnesty, over 7,000 weapons, including ninja swords, were surrendered through dedicated bins across high-risk areas like London, Greater Manchester, and the West Midlands.
A special amnesty bin in memory of Ronan in Wolverhampton symbolizes the enduring legacy of my son. The government’s task force focused on reducing knife-enabled crimes has shown promising results, contributing to a 10% decrease nationally in heavily affected regions, notably the West Midlands with a nearly 30% drop in recorded robberies.
The Young Futures program emphasizes prevention by identifying vulnerable youth in schools and offering mentorship and support to deter criminal behavior. Through early intervention and community engagement, the government aims to address the root causes of violence and provide a positive path for young individuals.
As a grieving mother advocating against knife crime, I commend the government’s commitment to enacting robust legislation like Ronan’s Law. The transformative impact of these measures underscores the importance of sustained collaboration between authorities, campaigners, and communities to drive further progress in reducing violent crime.
The establishment of Ronan’s Law is a significant milestone, but continuous efforts are essential to maintain momentum and effect lasting change. I express gratitude to the government for honoring my son’s memory through meaningful action and urge continued dedication to halve knife crime within the next decade.
