Robert Jenrick confirms Reform would ban Kirpan blades following murder of Henry Nowak

Robert Jenrick has confirmed Reform UK would ban the carrying of ceremonial blades like the Sikh Kirpan, which was held alongside another knife by murderer Vickrum Digwa.

Speaking to GB News, the Reform economics spokesman said his party would end the existing legal protections that allow blades to be carried as part of a cultural practice.

Mr Jenrick was questioned on the issue after Digwa, 23, was found guilty at Southampton Crown Court of murdering university student Henry Nowak.

The 23-year-old was holding a 'Kirpan', a religious knife carried by initiated Sikhs as a mandatory article of faith.

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GB News National Reporter Charlie Peters said: “In Wembley Stadium, I certainly couldn't sign up with a razor should I want to have a shave at half time, but Sikhs are allowed to go into the stadium with a five-inch blade.

“Do you think the law should change now? To get rid of that differing appreciation of who can carry a blade and a dagger?”

“Well, first it's worth saying in this case, the killer was actually carrying two knives. Of course, one was a shorter ceremonial dagger. The other was a much longer blade,” Mr Jenrick began.

“The actual blade that was used to kill Henry was a 21-centimetre blade, which may not have been eligible for the limited exception that is under the law for religious swords and daggers.

“But to answer your question directly, I do think the law should change. Is there a place on our streets for swords and daggers? No. And should people be treated differently depending on their faith? No.”

Charlie asked: “So Reform would change that law then?”

Mr Jenrick replied: “That's a yes, it would do. It's something our Home Affairs spokesperson, Zia Yusuf, will look into.

“We believe in equality before the law. We should all be treated equally.

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“That means that you and I should be treated exactly the same as somebody who is a Sikh, a Hindu or a Muslim.

“You should not be having dangerous weapons out on the streets. Under this limited exemption, under the law."

Taking to X, Zia Yusuf also confirmed that Reform would pursue the ban, writing: “I don’t care what religion you are. NOBODY other than law enforcement will get to carry deadly weapons under a Reform government.

“Reform will repeal the exemption for Sikhs to carry the Kirpan. We will deploy stop and search and get deadly weapons off our streets.”

Yesterday, Hampshire Police apologised for the way its officers treated Henry Nowak in the final moments of his life.

After being accused of racist abuse by Digwa, the 18-year-old was handcuffed by police just moments before his death.

Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Robert France of Hampshire Constabulary said: “I’m sorry that Henry’s life couldn’t be saved that night, and I’m sorry that he was handcuffed and arrested in the moments before he lost consciousness.

“When his killer made that call to the police, and he called the police, not the ambulance service, he lied on that call. He lied when police attended the scene. He continued to lie as Henry’s condition deteriorated.

“As Henry's condition deteriorated, it is clear, and it is absolutely tragic that it took them three minutes before they started to administer first aid.”

“It's a pathetic weakness by politicians and by the police,” Mr Jenrick said of the case.

“That has to change. This case should be a moment when the country changes course.”

Police referred themselves to the Independent Office of Police Conduct immediately after this incident. That independent investigation is ongoing.

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