Home Office reports new ban on machetes and zombie-style knives

Article summary

The Home Office has reported that the government will be introducing a new ban on zombie-style knives and machetes that have no practical use. The maximum penalty for importation, manufacturing, possession and sale of these products has also been increased from six months to two years. The Home Office has also stated that new powers will allow the police to seize and destroy knives found on private premises where there are reasonable grounds to believe that the blade will be used in a serious crime. Further, the Home Office has said it will be introducing a new offence for possession of bladed articles with the intention to endanger life or cause fear of violence, and will ask the Sentencing Council to consider amending sentencing guidelines so that these are treated more seriously than possession of a non-prohibited weapon.