'Ronan’s Law welcome but more cash needed' - West Midlands Mayor warns

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced new legislation aimed at tackling knife crime which will be known as Ronan’s Law, named after Ronan Kanda – a 16-year-old Wolverhampton boy murdered in a case of mistaken identity in 2022.

Mr Parker said Ronan’s Law will save lives but added partner agencies needed to work together to keep people safe and not just be reactive.

Under the new laws, online retailers will be required to report any bulk or suspicious-looking purchases of knives on their platforms to police to prevent illegal resales happening across social media accounts.

Prison sentences for selling weapons to under 18s will increase from six months to up to two years prison time, which could apply to an individual who has processed the sale or a CEO of the company.

This increased penalty will also apply to the sale or supply of prohibited offensive weapons such as recently banned zombie-style knives..

A new offence of possessing an offensive weapon with intent for violence will also be introduced in the Crime and Policing Bill which will come with a jail sentence of up to four years.

The tragic loss of Ronan is an important reminder of why we must do everything we can to stop knives from getting into the wrong hands.

Mr Parker said: “It’s vital that we all work together – across government, local authorities, police and in our communities – to keep everyone safe.

“But we cannot just be reactive. We need to go further in preventing knife crime before it happens.

“Stronger measures on knife sales are a crucial part of the effort, and I welcome the government’s announcement – it will save lives.

“But the reality is, the funding that allows councils, schools, police and other agencies to provide early interventions has been stripped away in the last 14 years.

“We need more investment in our communities and in the services that will address criminality and violence at its source.

“More support for parents, young people and early intervention programmes in schools are urgently needed in our region. Without this, we’re working with our hands tied behind our back.

“The government must now work with regional leaders like myself to properly support the services that keep our communities safe.

“This change in the law is an important step, but if we’re serious about tackling knife crime, we also need to put more money where it matters.”