Big change to supermarket rules including Lidl and Morrisons as shoppers face extra till checks
SHOPPERS need to know about new rules being planned for anyone buying a common household item online.
The new measures will prevent weapons getting into the wrong hands.
Shoppers at supermarkets and online retailers will be required to submit a copy of photo ID when buying a knives online and then again when the item is delivered.
Also, delivery firms will only be able to hand over the item to the person who ordered it.
Shoppers may be asked to submit photo ID and a form of address.
It comes after it was revealed that Southport murderer Axel Rudakubana was able to buy knives on Amazon in seconds despite being just 17 with a history of violence.
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Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "It’s a total disgrace how easy it still is for children to get dangerous weapons online.
"It’s too easy to put in false birth dates, parcels are too often being dropped off at a doorstop with no questions asked.
"We cannot go on like this. We need much stronger checks – before you buy, before it’s delivered.
"The measures I am setting out today will be crucial in addressing this problem and are part of our Plan for Change and mission to make streets safer."
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It comes after Prime Minister Keir Starmer told The Sun he will urgently change the law to stop under-18s bypassing online age checks with ease. He said: “This cannot continue.”
The measures announced today are part of a new Crime and Policity Bill, which is expected to be introduced to Parliament by spring this year.
What are the rules on buying knives?
In England it is generally illegal to sell knives to anyone under the age of 18.
However, there is an exception to the rule for folding pocket knives with a cutting edge of no longer than three inches that don't lock.
In Scotland, 16 and 17 year olds are allowed to buy cutlery and kitchen knives.
Some blades are illegal possess no matter how old you are. These include butterfly knives, flick knives and zombie knives.
When buying knives online some retailers will ask shoppers to enter their date of birth and their legal name.
Shoppers would then be ages to prove they are over 18 and signed for the item on delivery.
Some shops do not sell knives online.