Legal Analysis: UK Ninja Sword Ban Under Ronan’s Law
Ensuring Fairness as New “Ninja-Knife” Laws Come Into Force.
As of today – 1st August 2025, it is now illegal in the UK to possess, manufacture, import or sell ninja swords — part of the government’s new legislation known as Ronan’s Law.
Those found in private possession may face up to six months in prison immediately, rising to two years under forthcoming enhancements in the Crime and Policing Bill. Carrying any weapon in public still attracts up to four years’ imprisonment.
As criminal defence solicitors, we recognise the intention behind this law is to tackle knife crime and protect the public. However, such wide‑ranging measures could also raise legal concerns about proportionality and unintended consequences for individuals who possessed these weapons for lawful reasons — such as martial arts practitioners, collectors, or religious reasons.
The Challenge of Retrospective Effects
While the government permitted a one‑month amnesty for voluntary surrender of ninja swords in July, the transition to full illegality may pose difficulties for those unaware or unprepared. Surrender schemes across the UK saw over 1,000 weapons surrendered overall.
Even though authorities offered compensation, as criminal defence lawyers, we must be alert to cases where individuals may still face prosecution simply because they did not surrender a sword in time or did not know of the new law.
Defence Considerations and Fairness
Our duty is to ensure that individuals accused under the new ban have access to fair legal process. Critical questions include whether people had genuine criminal intent, whether they were sufficiently informed, and whether possession was genuinely mistaken or lawful.
We must also look at the proportionality of punishments — is a prison sentence for a decorative or ancestral sword likely – or even justified? These are complex issues of legal fairness, especially during the early stages of enforcing new legislation.
Preventing Knife Crime—Yet Safeguarding Rights
Representatives from police forces across the UK have emphasised that not all possession was criminally motivated and have thanked the public for their cooperation during the amnesty period. Indeed, the intent is commendable: removing potentially lethal weapons from circulation.
But again, acting as defence lawyers, we must balance that intent with safeguarding individual rights. Legal clarity, effective communication of the new law, and fair handling of transitional cases are essential to maintain confidence in the justice system.
Conclusion: A Positive Reform—but Legal Safeguards Matter
Ronan’s Law is undeniably a positive step in the fight against knife crime. Yet, it brings with it pressing legal questions around how the law is enforced, communicated, and applied, especially in relation to individuals with legitimate reasons for possession.
Our role is to ensure that no one is unfairly penalised, that defences such as lack of intent or lawful purpose are properly considered, and that penalties remain proportionate. As the courts begin to interpret this new legislation, it’s essential that legal representation is available to uphold both public safety and legal fairness.
How We Can Help
If you have any questions or concerns regarding charges relating to any changes to the law or new laws, then our team of experts are on-hand to answer your questions. Call us 0161 477 1121 or Message Us to speak to one of our team.
