Stourbridge MP, Suzanne Webb has welcomed the government announcing it wants to ban the sale of machetes and zombie knives along with tougher prison terms for those who sell and possess them. 

Suzanne has been campaigning for action as the West Midlands has the highest rate of knife crime in England and Wales. 

The police will also have increased powers to seize weapons that could be used in crimes in the proposed crackdown. Suzanne said:

“I am delighted the government has acted effectively to look to make it much harder for these life-taking weapons to be on West Midlands’ streets.

“In partnership with the chief constable’s focus on preventative policing and increased officer numbers, this means we are going in the right direction on the fight against the horror that is knife crime. 

“The two-year sentence and new offence is also very welcome for those who sell or import these knives that have no practical purpose other than to be used for violent ends. 

“This is something I have called for and I will continue to work with ministers, the police and crime commissioner, councils and organisations to ensure the level of knife crime comes down here in the West Midlands.

“This is not a political battle but a battle for the heart and souls of our communities and for our young people who are being killed and injured so needlessly.

“One life lost to knife crime is one too many. We must do all we can to stop those thugs who carry weapons to intimidate others and endanger innocent lives.”

The government believes the announcement will close a loophole that allowed dangerous weapons to be sold without breaking the law because they did not have certain banned features.

This means it will become illegal to own or sell any bladed weapon more than eight inches long with a plain-cutting edge and sharp pointed end that also has either a serrated cutting edge, more than one hole in the blade or multiple sharp points like spikes.

Anyone possessing the blade 'with the intention to endanger life or cause fear or violence' will face arrest. 

The maximum sentence for importing, manufacturing, possessing or selling the weapons will be two years. Legislation will be forthcoming following a public consultation on the measures, the Home Office said.

Officials added exemptions will be made for 'legitimate articles' of historical importance or that are hand-made.