A SOMERSET MP has promised that farmers and others who use knives at work will not be impacted by the Government's latest crackdown on knife crime.

Machetes and so-called zombie knives "with no practical use" could be banned in England and Wales. Minister hope that these measures could curb knife violence.

The Home Office have said that certain knives which are designed to look menacing and are not currently banned will be made illegal under the plans.

There will be a public consultation on increasing the maximum penalties for the possession and sale of these items.

Bridgwater and West Somerset MP, Ian Liddell-Grainger, supports the idea of making our streets safer, but wants a distinction to be made between weapons and knives used in the agricultural, hospitality and similar industries where the use of blades is unavoidable.

He said: “At the same time we have to make a clear distinction between knives which are carried purely for an illegal purpose and machetes and long-bladed knives used by farmers, countryside workers and those in the catering sector.

“I am happy to say the Government has made it clear these measures are not going to curb the sale of knives which are to be used legitimately in the course of someone’s normal work.”

As stated on the UK Government website, it is currently illegal to own a:

  • Baton.
  • Belt buckle knife.
  • Blowpipe or blowgun.
  • Butterfly knife.
  • Cyclone or spiral knife.
  • Disguised knife.
  • Flick knife.
  • Footclaw.
  • Handclaw.
  • Hollow kubotan.
  • Knuckleduster.
  • Kusari or manrikigusari.
  • Kusari gama.
  • Kyoketsu shoge.
  • Push dagger.
  • Death star.
  • Stealth knife.
  • Sword.
  • Swordstick.
  • Telescopic truncheon.

There are some exceptions to this list, such as weapons (except a flick knife) which are over 100 years old.

There are different laws concerning shotguns and firearms.

Acceptable reasons for carrying a knife in public include it being needed for work, if it has religious significance, or is part of any national costume.

A court will decide if you've got a good reason for having the knife if you are charged with carrying it illegally.

The maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife or weapon illegally is either 4 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.

You’ll get a prison sentence if you’re convicted of carrying a knife or weapon illegally more than once.