WJEC Criminology Campaigns | Ronan's Law

Campaign for Change | Ronan’s Law

Background to the Campaign:

Ronan’s Law was introduced following the tragic murder of 16-year-old Ronan Kanda in 2022. Ronan was attacked and fatally stabbed near his home in Wolverhampton in a case of mistaken identity. The weapons used in the attack were purchased online without any proper age or identity verification, raising serious concerns about the ease with which dangerous weapons could be accessed by minors. This horrifying incident underscored the loopholes in existing legislation, highlighting the urgent need for stricter regulations on the sale of knives and other offensive weapons. The Kanda family’s grief turned into a determined effort to prevent such tragedies from happening again, leading to the formation of a campaign demanding robust controls over weapon sales.

Aims of the Campaign:

The primary aim of Ronan’s Law was to ensure tighter restrictions on the sale of knives and other dangerous weapons online, particularly to prevent underage individuals from accessing them. The campaign sought to close the legal loopholes that allowed weapons to be purchased without sufficient age verification. Another key objective was to hold retailers accountable for their role in enabling illegal sales, pushing for stricter penalties on businesses failing to comply with safety measures. By implementing these changes, the campaign aimed to reduce knife crime, safeguard communities, and prevent further loss of young lives.

Key People Involved:

The campaign was spearheaded by Ronan’s mother, Pooja Kanda, and his sister, Nikita Kanda. Their loss and unwavering commitment to justice drove the campaign forward, turning their pain into a powerful call for change. They were supported by various anti-knife crime organisations and members of the local community who rallied behind their cause. The campaign also attracted attention from national media and politicians, with several legal experts and public figures endorsing the push for stricter weapon control measures.

Processes Used:

The campaign employed a combination of public advocacy and media engagement to drive awareness and support. By sharing Ronan’s story through national and local press, as well as social media platforms, the family raised widespread awareness about the dangers of unregulated online weapon sales. Collaborations with anti-knife crime organisations amplified their message, creating a united front against inadequate legislation. Petitions played a crucial role in demonstrating public support for the cause, gathering thousands of signatures to show the demand for change. Additionally, the Kanda family engaged directly with government officials, attending meetings and presenting evidence to push for the introduction of more rigorous regulatory measures.

Outcome of the Campaign:

In 2025, Ronan’s Law was enacted by the UK government, marking a significant step forward in combating knife crime and enhancing public safety. The law introduced enhanced age verification processes for online weapon sales, requiring photographic ID checks at both purchase and delivery stages. Retailers were also mandated to report suspicious or bulk purchases of knives to the authorities to prevent misuse. The law imposed stricter penalties, including up to two years’ imprisonment for businesses selling knives to minors and four years for possession of an offensive weapon with intent. Ronan’s Law has been widely recognised as a crucial development in addressing the growing issue of knife crime and protecting future generations.

For further information on Ronan’s Law, see the following links:

Gov. UK (February 2025) https://www.gov.uk/government/...

Guardian (February 2025) https://www.theguardian.com/uk...