Tanya Brown Hails Government’s Firm Stance on Knife Crime

Tanya Brown’s son, Connor, died in a 2019 stabbing. She said Keir Starmer keeps his promise. New anti-knife crime plans are coming soon. Retailers must report suspicious knife sales to police, and sentences will increase for selling weapons to kids. Zombie knife sellers could face two years in jail.

This follows a review by Stephen Clayman, who found loopholes in online knife sales. Tanya told The Northern Echo it was “very positive,” believing this combats online sales well. The government is acting with this step forward.

Starmer promised to clamp down on knife crime; the new plans are named “Ronan’s Law.” They honor Ronan Kanda, killed in 2022. Tougher sentences are a main part of the plan, requiring retailers to report suspicious knife purchases to stop illegal resales on social platforms.

The government will increase sentences for selling weapons. Selling to under 18s could mean two years in prison; this applies to employees or even CEOs. A new offense targets possessing weapons for violence and will be included in the Crime and Policing Bill, potentially leading to four years in jail. This applies even if the weapon is legal; the key factor is the intent to cause violence.

The government wants to cut knife crime in half and will consider a retailer registration plan. This spring, they will hold a consultation, with responsible sellers being the only ones selling knives online.

Tanya, who founded the Connor Brown Trust, voiced concerns about prison sentences, believing prisons lack enough space. She believes offenders may avoid jail time, and isn’t sure bulk purchase rules will help, noting that some people buy only single weapons.

Proving violent intent will be tricky, she said, but if past violence is flagged, it could help. She is glad the government is acting, using time, resources, and money, saying tackling knife crime and online sales is great.

The North East sees the impacts of knife crime; Connor Brown, Chris Cave, and others died. The Echo works with victims via its task force. Joy Allen said she was shocked by easy access, noting young people get deadly weapons very easily online.

Allen welcomes tougher sales checks. Checks stop those lying about age and intent. Preventing weapons reaching streets saves lives, and harsher penalties help support this action. People must work to end violence together, holding everyone accountable, protecting young people, and raising alarms when needed.