Stricter age verification checks for knife sales to be introduced

The UK government has announced stricter age verification checks for knife sales and a ban on doorstep deliveries in a bid to tackle knife crime and prevent weapons from falling into the wrong hands.

Under the new measures, all retailers selling knives online will be required to implement a two-step verification process.

Customers will need to provide photo ID at the point of sale and again on delivery.

In addition, delivery companies will only be allowed to hand over bladed items to the original purchaser, ensuring stricter control over who receives the package.

The reforms are part of the government’s Plan for Change, which includes a mission to halve knife crime within a decade.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasised the urgency of tightening restrictions to prevent young people from easily obtaining dangerous weapons.

Under the new system, buyers may be required to submit:

• A copy of photo ID (such as a driving licence or passport).
• Proof of address, such as a utility bill.
• A live photo or video alongside their ID to confirm identity.

These steps aim to close loopholes in existing laws, preventing individuals from using false birth dates or bypassing ID checks when purchasing knives online.

Additionally, it will now be illegal for delivery drivers to leave bladed weapons unattended on doorsteps if no one is available to receive the package.

Speaking on the announcement, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

“It’s a total disgrace how easy it still is for children to get dangerous weapons online. More than two years after Ronan Kanda was killed with a ninja sword bought by a teenager online, too many retailers still don’t have proper checks in place.”

“We cannot go on like this. We need much stronger checks – before you buy, before it’s delivered. The measures I am setting out today will be crucial in addressing this problem and are part of our Plan for Change and mission to make streets safer.”

Last year, the Home Secretary commissioned Commander Stephen Clayman, the national police lead on knife crime, to conduct a full review of online knife sales.

The final report is expected at the end of the month, with stronger ID checks among the key recommendations.

The government has also pledged to hold social media executives accountable for content that promotes or glorifies knife crime.

Under new regulations, senior executives could face fines of up to £10,000 if they fail to remove such content swiftly.

The new measures are set to be included in the upcoming Crime and Policing Bill, which is expected to be introduced to Parliament by spring. Additional proposals to tackle knife crime are expected in the coming weeks.