On a summer evening on June 29, 2022, my son Ronan was walking home when two sixteen-year-old boys attacked him from behind. They stabbed him twice, once in the abdomen and once through the heart, using a 22-inch ninja sword.
Discovering that one of the assailants had purchased the weapon online with a fake ID raised concerns about the accountability of retailers selling such lethal items. It was alarming how easily dangerous weapons were being distributed without proper verification processes in place.
Feeling compelled to seek justice and change, I had the opportunity to meet with Sir Keir Starmer, who, as the Leader of the Opposition at the time, showed a genuine interest in my cause. He empathetically listened to my plea as a grieving mother seeking to prevent further tragedies like the one that had befallen my son.
Sir Keir Starmer made a firm commitment that if he assumed power, he would ban ninja swords, a pledge that has been upheld by the current Prime Minister. The Labour Government, after taking office, prioritized the combat against knife crime, aiming to swiftly address the urgent issue.
Collaborating with government officials, I advocated for the establishment of Ronan’s Law, which not only prohibited the sale of ninja swords but also introduced stringent measures to hold tech companies accountable for hosting knife-related content and penalize retailers selling knives to minors.
The government’s proactive approach, including the implementation of two-step ID verification and the amnesty scheme for surrendering weapons, has significantly curtailed the illicit online weapons trade and contributed to a reduction in knife-enabled crimes.
In memory of Ronan, a dedicated amnesty bin was erected in Wolverhampton, symbolizing the enduring legacy of my son and the government’s commitment to eradicating violence in communities. The collaborative efforts between authorities, campaigners, and communities have yielded tangible results, exemplifying the positive impact of unified action.
The introduction of the Young Futures program further underscores the government’s dedication to preventing violence by addressing its underlying causes and providing support to vulnerable youth before they are ensnared in criminal activities.
As a mother who tragically lost her son to knife crime, I commend the government for enacting Ronan’s Law and standing alongside me in the fight for justice and safety. The ongoing efforts to combat knife crime and protect future generations reflect a beacon of hope, and I wholeheartedly endorse the government’s vision to reduce knife crime by half within the next decade.
The implementation of Ronan’s Law has marked a significant milestone in the battle against knife crime, demonstrating the tangible impact of legislative action. I urge the government to maintain its momentum and continue collaborating with stakeholders to sustain progress and drive further positive change.
I am profoundly grateful to the government for enacting robust legislation in honor of my son, Ronan, and for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding communities and preventing future tragedies.