A Bill to increase the minimum custodial sentence on conviction for possession of a knife or other offensive weapon for an offender aged 18 years or over and to increase the minimum period of a detention and training order for a person aged 16 or 17; to set a minimum custodial sentence on conviction for an offender in possession of a knife or other weapon and intending to commit any offence or having such a weapon available to use in committing murder; and for connected purposes.
House of Commons
28 April 2017
The bill would raise the minimum prison term for adults convicted of possessing a knife or offensive weapon. It would also increase the minimum Detention and Training Order period for 16- and 17-year-olds, and set a minimum custodial sentence for anyone possessing a knife or weapon with the intent to commit an offence or ready to use it to commit murder. Overall, it tightens penalties in cases involving knives and other weapons to deter violent crime.
The bill is currently at the second reading in the House of Commons. If it advances, it will move to detailed scrutiny in Committee and then follow the usual passage through the Lords.
Generated 21 February 2026
This Bill was expected to have its second reading debate on Friday 12 May 2017. However, as a General Election has now been called and Parliament will be dissolved from 3 May 2017, the Bill falls and no further action will be taken.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
