Retailers challenged to strengthen action on marketing of knives

Law enforcement, major retailers, online marketplaces, trade associations, Trading Standards, the Advertising Standards Authority and campaigners were brought together across 2 summits, held today (8 October 2026) and hosted by Policing and Crime Minister Sarah Jones, to identify practical steps to strengthen safeguards around the sale and online marketing of knives. 

Irresponsible advertising of knives, particularly online, has been highlighted by campaigners as being a key factor in helping to feed fixations of violence. The need to tackle this was a major theme in the report following the first phase of the public inquiry into the tragic murders of 3 young girls in Southport in July 2024.  

In the first summit, the minister challenged online retailers and marketplaces on how they will ensure knife listings comply with the law and what further action they will take to prevent irresponsible marketing. 

At a second summit, businesses with traditional ‘bricks and mortar’ shops were pressed to strengthen standards for displaying and selling knives in stores and support a renewed Responsible Retailers’ Scheme, a voluntary code that promotes best practice in the sale and display of knives. 

Policing and Crime Minister Sarah Jones said: 

Knife crime destroys lives and devastates families, and everyone involved in the sale of knives has a responsibility to help prevent harm.  

Businesses and online retailers need to take a hard look at how knives are marketed, sold and displayed, and take every possible step to prevent irresponsible sales. 

We are making progress, but I want businesses to go further and do everything possible to stop dangerous knives reaching the wrong hands.