Retailers selling knives online will face stricter age verification requirements under new measures announced by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The proposed changes are a response to weaknesses in current legislation highlighted by a tragic incident in Southport and recent findings from undercover operations.
Under the new rules, online retailers will need to verify a buyer’s age with two forms of identification, such as a passport or driving licence, and conduct a live video recording to confirm the purchaser’s identity. This initiative aims to prevent individuals from obtaining knives without proper checks, as evidenced in the case of Axel Rudakubana, who used a knife purchased on Amazon to kill three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class last summer.
Starmer said: “It remains shockingly easy for our children to get their hands on deadly knives. The lessons of this case could not be clearer. Time and again, as a child, the Southport murderer carried knives. Time and again, he showed clear intent to use them. And yet, tragically, he was still able to order the murder weapon off the internet without any checks or barriers. A two-click killer. This cannot continue.
“The technology is there to set up age verification checks, even for kitchen knives ordered online. We must now use it to protect our children from future attack and I will ensure that this happens.”
The urgency of these measures has been further underscored by a joint undercover operation conducted by Trading Standards and Lancashire Police. Out of 59 shops visited in Lancashire, 24 sold knives to volunteers aged 13 and 16, with four premises failing such checks for the second time in a year and now facing enforcement action.
For retailers in the hunting, outdoor, and homeware sectors, the new requirements will necessitate significant changes to processes. Dual ID verification and live video authentication may require investment in updated e-commerce systems to ensure compliance.
Employment Minister Alison McGovern said: “We know that the technology is there to improve verification checks and I think that everyone would want that, every business, every organisation.”
Commander Stephen Clayman, of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, is leading a review of online knife sales. Initially due to report at the end of this month, plans are now being expedited, according to the BBC.
Currently, the law requires online retailers to verify a customer’s age and ensure age checks are carried out at the point of collection or delivery. However, recent enforcement operations and the Southport case have highlighted gaps in the system.
Retailers are encouraged to evaluate their current sales procedures and implement proactive measures to align with forthcoming legislation. Failure to comply could result in enforcement action, similar to that seen in Lancashire.
As the government accelerates its efforts to strengthen safeguards, retailers should stay informed on legislative developments.
You can read the full February 2025 issue below:
