Recommendation SP20: Further knife/bladed item sales measures
From The Southport Inquiry Report: Phase 1, published 13 April 2026.
Recommendation
Phase 2 should consider further measures relating to knives/bladed items sales, including:
1. Restrictions on sharp‑tipped knives.
2. Prohibiting some online sales (such as machetes).
3. Strengthening online age‑verification and age verified delivery standards.
4. Mandatory reporting and information‑sharing about suspicious behaviour.
5. The risks surrounding importation of bladed items.
6. The risks surrounding multiple sub-contractors in a supply chain delivering bladed articles.
In brief (written by this site)
The recommendation asks Phase 2 to consider further measures on bladed item sales. In July 2026, HM Government stated that the Chair will consider in Phase 2 how to address suspicious combinations of purchases alongside further measures on crossbows and knives, adding that the Home Office will work with the Inquiry to examine issues within current legislation (Home Office response, Jul 2026). The response did not mention other measures named in the recommendation, including restrictions on sharp-tipped knives, online sales prohibitions, delivery standards, importation risks, or supply-chain subcontractors (Home Office response, Jul 2026). The record holds nothing dated later than the response of July 2026 (Home Office response, Jul 2026).
Sources
AI-generated summary of the record on this page, checked by a second model and automatic checks, 17 Oct 2026. The record below is the sources' own words.
Government response
The Chair has rightly stated that the acquisition of weapons and poisons is a complex topic, with a range of interested stakeholder groups that could not be consulted within the terms of Phase 1. The Chair will consider in Phase 2 how to address suspicious combinations of purchases, and further measures on crossbows and knives. The Home Office will work with the Inquiry to identify further areas of concern within current legislation.
How this response relates to the recommendation
Site note: The response does not name this recommendation. Paragraph 58 says the Chair will consider further measures on knives in Phase 2, which is the subject of this recommendation, and that the Home Office will work with the Inquiry. It takes no position on the recommendation, so the row is marked noted.
Delivery
This recommendation is for Phase 2 of the Inquiry to consider. It is not addressed to the government or another body, so there is no delivery to report.
Responsible bodies
Themes and tags
Who has spoken
- Home Office
Response