In late June 2022, my son, Ronan, was attacked while walking home on a pleasant summer evening. Two teenagers, aged sixteen, approached him from behind and viciously stabbed him twice with a 22-inch ninja sword – once in the abdomen and once directly through his heart.

The assailants had purchased the deadly weapon online using a fake ID, highlighting the concerning ease of access to such harmful items. This incident prompted me to question the accountability of retailers selling weapons designed for violence.

I was troubled by the lack of proper ID verification protocols by workers selling dangerous weapons. Seeking answers and change, I met Sir Keir Starmer, then Leader of the Opposition, at a café near Euston. Despite my initial skepticism towards politicians, Sir Keir Starmer showed genuine interest in my concerns as a grieving mother.

I shared my distress over the continued sale of the ninja sword that claimed my son’s life, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations. Sir Keir Starmer assured me that if his party came into power, ninja swords would be banned – a promise fulfilled by the current Prime Minister. Since the Labour Government’s tenure, combating knife crime has become a top priority, aiming to swiftly address this pressing issue.

Collaborating with government officials, I advocated for the implementation of Ronan’s Law, which not only prohibits ninja swords but also introduces stringent measures. This law includes substantial fines for tech companies failing to remove knife-related content and penalties for retailers selling knives to minors, along with enhanced ID verification processes.

The government has taken decisive action to close loopholes and tackle the online weapons market head-on through these new regulations. Businesses like the one responsible for selling weapons to my son’s attackers are now held accountable for their actions.

The successful knife surrender initiative, launched before Ronan’s Law, witnessed over 7,000 weapons surrendered through amnesty vans and bins placed strategically in high-risk areas across the country. A special amnesty bin in memory of Ronan was established in Wolverhampton, symbolizing his enduring legacy.

The government’s dedicated efforts to reduce knife-enabled crimes have yielded positive results, contributing to a significant reduction in robberies nationwide. Notably, the West Midlands recorded the largest decline, indicating the effectiveness of unified community and government actions.

The Young Futures programme underscores the government’s commitment to prevention by targeting the root causes of violence among young individuals. By focusing on early intervention, education, and community support, the government aims to provide a brighter future for vulnerable youth and curb violent behaviors before they escalate.

As an advocate against knife crime and a grieving mother, I mourn the loss of my son Ronan daily. His untimely death has inspired me to push for meaningful change, and the government’s collaboration has exceeded my expectations in safeguarding others and honoring Ronan’s memory.

The establishment of Ronan’s Law stands as a significant milestone in combating knife crime, showcasing its profound impact. I urge the government to maintain its momentum and continue working closely with stakeholders to drive further progress and instigate lasting change.

I am profoundly thankful to the government for enacting robust legislation in memory of my son, Ronan. This administration symbolizes hope, and I wholeheartedly support its objective to halve knife crime within the next decade, recognizing the immense value of sustained efforts towards a safer society.