Ronan’s Law
A Legacy Forged in Grief and Determination
On 1 August 2025, Ronan’s Law came into force across England and Wales, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against knife crime. Named after 16-year-old Ronan Kanda, who was tragically murdered in a case of mistaken identity in Wolverhampton, the law bans the manufacture, sale, possession, and import of so-called ninja swords: a type of long-bladed weapon with a straight cutting edge and a tanto-style point.
The Tragedy That Sparked Change
Ronan was stabbed through the heart with a 22-inch ninja sword in 2022, a weapon purchased online by two teenagers using a fake name. His death shocked the nation and ignited a campaign led by his mother, Pooja Kanda, who argued that such weapons should never be so easily accessible. Her tireless advocacy culminated in legislative reform, supported by public figures and politicians, including Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, who unveiled the ban shortly after Labour came to power.
What the Law Covers
Under Ronan’s Law:
Wider Measures and Impact
The law is part of a broader strategy to cut knife crime by 50% in the next decade. It includes:
A Family’s Mission
Ronan’s sister, Nikita Kanda, described the law as “bittersweet,” calling it her brother’s legacy. “It doesn’t bring him back,” she said, “but it protects future children”. Pooja Kanda was awarded an OBE for her work in knife crime prevention and continues to advocate for further reforms, including licensing schemes for other bladed weapons.
Ronan’s Law is more than just legislation: it’s a symbol of resilience, a mother’s love turned into action, and a nation’s commitment to safeguarding its youth.
Jonas W, 4th August 2025