UK Government Defends Zombie-Style Blades Ban Amid Criticism

New technology to secretly scan for knives on streets, as Labour proposes £100 million youth programme to combat knife crime.

• New legislation to ban zombie-style blades is set to be introduced, making it illegal to possess, sell, manufacture or transport these weapons from September.
• Labour criticizes the ban as 'too little, too late', promising a wider crackdown on dangerous knives if they win power at the next general election.
• Police will be able to secretly scan people for knives as they walk down high streets using new technology that can detect blades under clothing from up to six meters away.
• Knife crime offences in England and Wales rose by 5% in the 12 months to September 2023, according to the Office for National Statistics.
• Labour proposes a £100 million youth programme to tackle knife crime, aiming to support young people at risk of being drawn into violence.

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