MP calls for change in law around legal defences after Ryan Passey's death
An MP has raised the case of a stabbing victim in parliament, calling for a change in the law on legal defences.
Suzanne Webb, MP for Stourbridge, called for a debate around the issue following the death of 24-year-old Ryan Passey, who was stabbed to death in the town’s Chicago’s nightclub in 2017.
Ryan's family this week launched civil action against Kobe Murray, who was cleared by a jury of murdering Ryan after claiming he acted in self-defence.
Ms Webb asked the leader of the House of Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg, to make time for a debate in Parliament to discuss tightening the law “so that self-defence cannot be abused as a legal defence in cases like Ryan’s, particularly when Ryan carried no weapon himself”.
See also:
Ms Webb said: “Ryan Passey sadly lost his life at the hands of a knife and the perpetrator was acquitted.
"We sometimes hear young adults say that they carry a knife for self-defence.
"We know that it is illegal to do so.”
In response to Ms Webb, Mr Rees-Mogg said: “It is always very sad to hear of cases of this kind and I thank my honourable friend for raising this really serious matter with the house.
"Knife crime is a great scourge on our society, and it is truly dreadful to see people’s lives taken away and to sense that justice has not been done.”
He said Ms Webb could raise the issue again on December 8.
Speaking after attending Parliament, Ms Webb added: “I remain committed to supporting Ryan’s family and friends in their campaign for justice.
“But it is also clear there is an urgent need to look at the law around the legal defence of knife use in self-defence when the victim is not themselves armed.
“I will continue to raise this important issue with the Government because no other family should have to share the same ordeal as Ryan’s has.”
