Keir Starmer is pushing for stricter rules to prevent kids from easily buying knives online after a tragic incident in Southport
Southport: It’s been a tough time lately. Keir Starmer is stepping up to address a serious issue. He’s calling out how easy it is for kids to buy knives online. This comes after a heartbreaking incident where a young murderer used a knife bought from Amazon.
Starmer wants new laws to make it harder for anyone underage to get their hands on these dangerous items. He’s suggesting that retailers should ask for two forms of ID before selling a knife. This could mean showing a passport or driver’s license and even doing a live video to prove their age.
Alison McGovern, the employment minister, agrees. She says we need these measures to stop the awful impact of knife crime. It’s a real problem, and we can’t let it continue. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper also expressed her outrage that a 17-year-old with a violent past could buy a knife online so easily.
Starmer wrote in The Sun that it’s shocking how accessible these weapons are. He pointed out that the technology exists to set up age checks for online knife sales. He’s determined to make sure this happens to protect our kids.
McGovern mentioned that the government will collaborate with retailers to ensure knives don’t end up in the wrong hands. But she emphasized that we need the right checks in place to make a real difference.
The urgency for action is clear, especially after a tragic stabbing of a 12-year-old boy in Birmingham. A 14-year-old has been arrested in connection with this incident, highlighting the need for immediate change.
Commander Stephen Clayman is reviewing online knife sales and plans to speed up his report. 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 knives. Amazon stated they take this responsibility seriously and have measures in place to check IDs for age-restricted items.
