UK Offers £5 to Surrender Ninja Swords

The UK government is offering £5 compensation to individuals who voluntarily hand in their ninja swords ahead of a new ban set to take effect on August 1, 2025. This initiative is part of a broader effort under “Ronan’s Law,” named after 16-year-old Ronan Kanda, who was tragically killed with a ninja sword in 2022. The new legislation, which was introduced to Parliament in March 2025, will make it illegal to possess, manufacture, import, or sell ninja swords, with penalties of up to six months in prison for private possession and up to four years for carrying one in public.

To facilitate the surrender process, the government has established designated police stations and knife amnesty bins where individuals can safely dispose of their swords. The £5 compensation, based on wholesale values to prevent profiteering, will only be available to those who can prove lawful ownership of the swords before the March 27, 2025 cut-off date. Acceptable documentation, such as a purchase receipt, will be required to claim the compensation.

This scheme is part of the government’s ongoing effort to tackle knife crime and violence. While it encourages the safe disposal of potentially dangerous weapons, it is not an amnesty for those involved in criminal activities. The government aims to reduce knife crime by half within a decade through measures like this, hoping to promote safety and curb the use of deadly weapons in the community.