On Wednesday 16th July, BHETA, together with five member companies and representatives from a number of major retailers, attended a round table at the Home Office with Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson DBE MP, Minister of State for Policing and Crime Prevention. The meeting was convened to discuss how to encourage consumers to consider round-tipped knives as an alternative to pointed-tipped kitchen knives.
This was a positive and constructive meeting, continuing BHETA’s lobbying efforts on behalf of knife suppliers regarding the many challenges surrounding knife retailing legislation.
Key outcomes from the meeting
No planned further legal restrictions on pointed-tipped kitchen knives: we were reassured to hear that the Home Office has no plans to legislate against pointed-tipped kitchen knives.
Cutlery knives in the OWA 2019: The Minister committed to review the inclusion of cutlery knives in the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 restrictions, something BHETA has consistently lobbied against since 2022.
Working collaboratively: The Minister emphasised the importance of Government working closely with retailers, manufacturers, suppliers and other stakeholders, stating:
“I would … like the Home Office to work together with retailers, manufacturers and suppliers, and other key stakeholders so that we have an agreed plan ready this Autumn.”
This constructive tone is very welcome, and BHETA will continue to engage closely with Government on behalf of members.
BHETA’s position on sales of pointed-tipped and round-tipped knives
BHETA supports the legal sale of both pointed-tipped and round-tipped kitchen knives. Many of our members supply both product types, and our position is that consumers should have the ability to make an informed choice. We are committed to supporting innovation and ensuring responsible knife retailing.
Next steps for knife sellers
1. Engage directly with the Home Office
If you were unable to attend the July meeting but would like to discuss round-tipped knives with the Home Office team, please inform Steve Richardson, BHETA’s Marketing Director, at sr@bheta.co.uk.
2. Complete the Home Office knife survey by 29th August
The Home Office has asked all suppliers of knives to complete a short questionnaire. The aim is to gather data on the current and potential market for round-tipped knives to help shape an informed and balanced plan. If interested please contact Steve Richardson, BHETA's Marketing Director.
3. BHETA has a follow-up with meeting with the Home Office to further the discussions.
We will keep all relevant BHETA members directly informed of any developments.
