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<p>The Government recognises that the online purchase of goods and services can take
different forms, and that social media shopping apps may be one of the methods for
obtaining items, including knives. This is why the law relating to the sale of knives
to under 18s applies equally to in-store and online purchases. In addition, through
the Offensive Weapons Bill, currently awaiting Royal Assent, we will stop knives being
sent to residential addresses after they are bought online, unless the seller has
arrangements in place with the delivery company to ensure that the product will not
be delivered into the hands of a person under 18. This will help to ensure that purchasers
cannot circumvent the existing law by buying knives online.</p><p>We have also agreed
a set of commitments with major retailers to prevent the underage sales of knives
more generally in their stores and online. The agreement also covers staff training
and displays and packaging. Tesco, eBay UK, Lidl UK, Amazon UK, Wilko, Argos, Asda,
Poundland, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, John Lewis and Waitrose have all signed up to the
principles. They have since been joined by Boots, the Co-op, B&Q, Aldi, TKMaxx
and Debenhams. We are working with retailers to strengthen the agreement in relation
to displays and that work is continuing. Following on from this, Asda have announced
that they will stop selling single knives in its stores by the end of April, a move
supported by the Government.</p><p>In addition, on 17 June 2018 the Home Secretary
announced funding of £1.4m to support a new national police capability to tackle gang
related activity on social media. The hub will be fully operational by the end of
May 2019.</p><p> </p>
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