It is illegal to carry most blades in public without a ‘good reason’ – although this can be open to interpretation

Hampshire police commissioner writes to Keir Starmer over ‘national tragedy’ of Southampton stabbing last December

Keir Starmer is today facing growing calls for a national review of laws allowing the carrying of knives for religious reasons after the murder of 18-year-old Harry Nowak.

Henry Nowak murder case has prompted questions about religious exemptions for Sikh ceremonial blades

Critics of the religious practice claim that a ‘two-tier’ policing framework protects British ethnic minorities at the expense of others.

It is illegal to carry most blades in public without a ‘good reason’ – although this can be open to interpretation

Within Sikh tradition, the ceremonial dagger is linked to the duty to protect others. However, this does not create a legal right to use force.