UK Enforces Nationwide Ninja Sword Ban After Teen Death

The UK government has implemented a nationwide ban on owning, selling, manufacturing, or importing ninja swords as of August 1, under legislation known as Ronan's Law, named after 16-year-old Ronan Kanda who was killed by a ninja sword in 2022. This ban is part of a broader strategy to reduce knife crime and increase public safety, with offenders potentially facing up to six months in prison, or two years under the Crime and Policing Bill. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted the seizure of over a thousand weapons in July and noted a decrease in knife robberies in affected areas, emphasizing the importance of the Change Plan in reversing knife crime trends. Police and crime commissioners across regions like Hampshire, Cambridgeshire, and Wiltshire have supported the ban, stressing the need for early intervention, prevention, and education to tackle knife crime effectively. Amnesty periods allowed for safe surrender of these weapons, with legitimate ownership limited to antiques or use in filming. Despite the relative rarity of ninja sword crimes in some areas, authorities agree that restricting access to such weapons is vital to preventing devastating consequences of knife violence.