LETTER 2 To Department for Culture, Media and Sport - enquiries@dcms.gov.uk Dear Lucy Frazer, I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to seek your urgent assistance in addressing a matter of grave concern that affects multiple industries across the United Kingdoms, and even international markets. Recently, Royal Mail and ParcelForce have implemented an excessively broad ban on the posting of "bladed items/products" through their courier services. While I acknowledge the importance of private commercial entities contributing to national security efforts, this blanket ban has far exceeded the boundaries set forth by Parliament itself in the Offensive Weapons Act 2019. It is evident that this private policy has been implemented hastily, resulting in severe repercussions for countless lawful businesses and individuals across the country. This ban will have devastating repercussions across various sectors, including but not limited to: *JOBS & the ECONOMY:* Industries spanning sporting, military, entertainment, antiquities, martial arts, sports fencing, re-enactment, auction houses, collectors, and restoration markets, among others, have been left in a state of uncertainty, unable to conduct their operations economically. Livelihoods are hanging in the balance. *HERITAGE, CULTURE & RELIGION:* Traditional craftsmen, who already operate within a challenging environment out of a deep-seated passion to preserve facets of our unique culture and heritage, are now facing further setbacks. Additionally, religious artifacts such as kirpans/swords, essential to the practices of communities like the Sikhs (which have received exemptions from Parliament), have been entirely disregarded. It is imperative that we find a balanced approach that prioritizes public safety while also taking into account the needs of businesses and individuals reliant on the transportation of such items for their livelihoods. Given your esteemed position and influence as our Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, I urgently request your unwavering support in advocating for the reconsideration of this ill-conceived ban. Your assistance in engaging with relevant stakeholders, raising awareness about the severe ramifications of this decision, and exploring alternative solutions would be invaluable. I am available to provide additional information or engage in further discussions at your earliest convenience. Your support in rectifying this situation would be a beacon of hope for the businesses and individuals adversely affected by this ban. Thank you for your immediate attention to this pressing issue, and I eagerly await your response.

@El_Beardo

23 күн бұрын

Well damn! Didnt expect this. 😎

@metagen77

23 күн бұрын

This is way too civilized, they know what they are doing. They are hesitant to fix the problem because that would mean actually working, also stepping on toes. Much easier is to pretend to ride against a non existent enemy. Cant fight back and cant complain. You will not reason them into action

@Simon-Wolf

23 күн бұрын

@scholagladiatoria Matt, I do encourage an emphasis on the Press, not just politicians. The Press is the way to make this get notice. Contact the specific producers of the main BBC, ITV and Sky news TV and radio programs. You are articulate and have visuals. Liaise with Paul MacDonald who has the PR hook of the Scottish coronation sword. Politicians are not enough by themselves.

@FiliiMartis

23 күн бұрын

This is the answer I got from them for my own query: "Royal Mail Group (including Parcelforce) has recently undertaken a thorough evaluation of bladed items that have been allowed through our age verification service. This evaluation was undertaken with a primary focus on mitigating the risk of bladed items falling into the wrong hands. Our commitment to public safety and that of our dedicated delivery personnel has led us to introduce changes to our restrictions on bladed items, as outlined in our prohibitions and restrictions list here: Account prohibitions and restrictions Parcelforce Worldwide. These changes will come into effect on the 7th May 2024. Please be aware that any shipments containing the newly prohibited items must cease by this date. While we acknowledge that these adjustments may present some inconvenience, we are steadfast in our commitment to enhancing public safety. Your cooperation in adhering to these new measures is greatly appreciated as we strive to positively contribute to the wellbeing of our communities." So you see they use "public safety" and "wellbeing of our communities" is declared by them as the reason. I have asked about religious exemptions in my original email. They could not bother to address that aspect. Among other things, I have now reiterated how my religious freedoms and my lawful use of bladed items are balanced by the need of "public safety" (which they took upon themselves to enforce) and how my lawful private use of blades impacts "public safety".

@FiliiMartis

23 күн бұрын

This is the answer I got from them for my own query: Royal Mail Group (including Parcelforce) has recently undertaken a thorough evaluation of bladed items that have been allowed through our age verification service. This evaluation was undertaken with a primary focus on mitigating the risk of bladed items falling into the wrong hands. Our commitment to public safety and that of our dedicated delivery personnel has led us to introduce changes to our restrictions on bladed items, as outlined in our prohibitions and restrictions list here: Account prohibitions and restrictions Parcelforce Worldwide. These changes will come into effect on the 7th May 2024. Please be aware that any shipments containing the newly prohibited items must cease by this date. While we acknowledge that these adjustments may present some inconvenience, we are steadfast in our commitment to enhancing public safety. Your cooperation in adhering to these new measures is greatly appreciated as we strive to positively contribute to the wellbeing of our communities. So you see they use public safety and wellbeing of our communities is declared by them as the reason. I have asked about religious exemptions in my original email. They could not be bothered to address this aspect. Among other things, I have now reiterated how my religious freedoms and my lawful use of bladed items are balanced by the need of public safety (which they took upon themselves to enforce).

The ban on bladed items will also affect things like screwdrivers, planes, electric planers, circular saws, etc, etc. Absolutely stupid.

@smokecrackhailsatan

23 күн бұрын

20 years from now it will be illegal to sell food in England that isn't pre-cut up into bite size pieces. Government gonna literally be regulating that people be fed like babies.

@genustinca5565

23 күн бұрын

But why the ban in the first place? What reasons have they put forth?

@longschlongjohnson6470

23 күн бұрын

​@@genustinca5565The average UK politician is a worthless degenerate that leeches off the public's wallet while justifying their existence by shadow-boxing any imagined foe they can make up. As for why they make stuff up instead of fighting real issues, doing so would require actually being connected with reality

@danstotland6386

23 күн бұрын

It will also ban butterknives and other kitchen cutlery. Big Brother lives and reigns supreme in Britain. He will determine what Englishmen need and he will make sure that they will enjoy it whether they want, (or need it), or not.

@peakeythebard1454

23 күн бұрын

Because it sounds nice to voters who don't underestand the realityof the situation around swords.​@@genustinca5565

If knives are banned, that could make eating your dinner an interesting experience.

@SeaforgedArtifacts

23 күн бұрын

UK to become a canned soup capital of the world.

@ireallylovegod

23 күн бұрын

Fork and spoon from now on , until forks are banned the it's just two spoons,

@baoxidiaoyu

23 күн бұрын

Chopsticks ftw

@CoffeeFiend1

23 күн бұрын

@@ireallylovegod I always carry a spoon with the concave side reversed so as to appear significantly less scoopy.

@whyjay9959

23 күн бұрын

@@SeaforgedArtifacts Can lids are pretty sharp though.

This is heinous. I hope the opposition is successful. Best of luck Matt and the UK sword community.

@stonedog5547

23 күн бұрын

Labour is the Opposition...... Vote grubbing or what?

@normtrooper4392

23 күн бұрын

@@stonedog5547 opposition to the UK sword ban specifically

@ravinraven6913

22 күн бұрын

if UK bans swords, will they start dring on the right side of the road and not the left? since that has to do with swords and being able to draw your sword while on horseback?

@codycarter7638

21 күн бұрын

Agreed 100%, sir.

**Due to the terrible incident of 30 April, I feel it is important to here share my huge condolences and empathy for the grieving, injured and affected of that attack. I cannot imagine the terrible loss that is being felt right now. It is horrific. The item used was an apparently illegal (since 2008) cheap replica samurai sword - an item already banned in the UK for the last 16 years. Unfortunately, this highlights that banning something does not insure safety. The majority of stabbings are committed with kitchen knives and swords are statistically very rarely used by criminals. The police showed great courage in dealing with this attacker, as they did in the Tower Bridge knife attack of 2017, and I would like to offer my support (as I have previously assisted the police) if it is of use.**

@stefanw6665

22 күн бұрын

Sadly this incident will make it much harder to oppose the ban on swords, the facts won't matter much. The worst of timing, foremost for the people injured and affected, but to all sword enthusiasts in the uk, too.

@johncartwright8154

21 күн бұрын

@@stefanw6665 indeed, and even more so as a General Election looms! There will be a vote-garnering 'knee jer reaction' as there was with the 'Dangerous dogs' legislation of the 1990's

@saberserpent1134

20 күн бұрын

Well said. No one is getting out their antique rapiers, arming swords, or nihonto to commit a criminal act. Punishing the many whom abide by the law, due to a handful that doesn't, is a tyranny in and of itself. Best of luck getting this nonsense repealed, Mr. Easton. 🙏🙏🙏

This country's a joke 😟

@tomhirons7475

23 күн бұрын

leave, i have a dual passport here and Norway.

@cal2127

23 күн бұрын

​@@tomhirons7475 coward

@tomhirons7475

23 күн бұрын

@@cal2127 how ?

@stefthorman8548

23 күн бұрын

@@cal2127 it's call having an brain, and seeing when you can't change anything.

@smokecrackhailsatan

23 күн бұрын

"England's ending, death's still pending, where's that money you spent? Work all week and work on weekends still can't pay my rent Times are tough I've had enough So if i want to f-in rush you you'll get rushed"

The ban is outrageous!

@PROVOCATEURSK

23 күн бұрын

Those germanic-french-nordic monarchs are hard on them.

@baoxidiaoyu

23 күн бұрын

Yet all too predictable

@ravinraven6913

22 күн бұрын

not like it will do anything, you can make swords at home with almost anything. Even real metal swords are easy to make...not easy to make well but easy to make. If you use a machete chances are you will take anything, even plastic. And a Machete isn't a sword, its more like a large dagger.

So they essentially are destroying an entire industry just so they can virtual signal, hey we do something. Its actually useless but we do something. Pathetic at this point, being diplomatically as I can.

@dungad24

23 күн бұрын

Ban the scary looking thing since you can’t effectively get rid of the thing used in the majority of crime.

@MarktheRude

23 күн бұрын

Well they had no problems destroying an entire nation just so they could virtue signal.

@ducthman4737

23 күн бұрын

They are destroying all industries plus Freedom. Welcome in 15min city UK.

FIGHT AGAINST THIS TYRANNY! MAKE THIS A PUBLIC ISSUE FOR EVERYONE! It is literally IMPOSSIBLE the majority of Brits think this is a good idea.

@robgrey6183

23 күн бұрын

The elites are running things, and the British have ALREADY been disarmed. Fight with what?

@ravinraven6913

22 күн бұрын

I would have said the same thing about guns. But instead of fixing the problem they slap a bandaid on it....just curious where they think the guns and weapons in the UK come from already.....and it's super easy to make a sword at home with a home forge....not hard. specially in the UK where the cops raid a building thinking its a cannabis farm just to find out its a legal Bit coin farm.

I'm embarrassed to call myself British anymore, I really am.

@rumdog117

23 күн бұрын

Just wait until the next big war breaks out and you have foreign soldiers on the ground. You all will have nothing bto protect yourselves with. And to be clear, while a group of citizens are not on par with a modern military, there are reasons that the US has not and been and is not worried about being invaded. One of the most notable besides location and supply lines, is that we can bring up civilian militias all across the country. The only country in Europe that is on par with that is Switzerland, and they haven't been invaded for much the same reasons. Disarming the public does not get rid of crime, it gets rid of a person being able to defend themselves.

@mackash

23 күн бұрын

@@rumdog117 USA has been invaded for at least two decades. Since early 00s. They are the worst of us all. They did nothing. They still do nothing. It was the frog in a pot thing. Its already absorbed. The only countries left that isn't completely absorbed in Australia and NZ. But its getting thick.

@Thomas-mx1fh

22 күн бұрын

What does that even mean anymore with all the migrants?!

@terrenceroll3848

21 күн бұрын

@@Thomas-mx1fh Don't you mean New British?

I can imagine there’s going to be a demand for extra long, complex hilt kitchen knives

@cristianespinal9917

23 күн бұрын

Große Messer will see a resurgence of popularity.

I had no idea UK privatized their post. Handing a virtual monopoly to crappy companies is a death kneel for freedom.

@meferswift

23 күн бұрын

from honesy monopoly to worse, dishonest monopoly

@cmur078

23 күн бұрын

Yeah, they privatised everything. The private water isn't going very well, so now they're talking about re-nationalising it, paying off its debts, and then privatising it again...

@kennethg9277

23 күн бұрын

​@@cmur078well people keep tolerating- or even enthusiastically voting for- a revolving sequence of identical neoliberals/neoconservatives. I have little sympathy for any of you frankly. 😂

@ItsDeffoChris

22 күн бұрын

If I recall, it was sold off so cheaply but the new shareholders had to pinky promise they wouldn't do a firesale, and they did. They shut postie opposition up by offering them scraps of the deal.

@Ghooste1

21 күн бұрын

So big government=more freedom? Got it. 😘

Thank you Mr Easton for your work on this matter. You are fighting for us all, sportsmen, collectors, historians and artisans.

As a sword owner, for a while now I have felt worried they are slowly closing the net on even responsible owners. What a waste of parliamentary time. They could be going after real criminals or sorting out bigger issues. They might as well just keep on banning potentially dangerous objects until everything in the UK is covered in bubble wrap or something. They need to focus on other issues.

@thecocktailian2091

23 күн бұрын

That is what they are tying to do in most Western nations.

@mackash

23 күн бұрын

Its all planned. Its going perfectly, maybe even easier now with internet. The sooner we realize this, the sooner we can sort it. This is a systematic eradication. Its been in process for thousands of years. We are at the very end of it. We either get this, or face complete extinction. Every single elected person in gov today are ALL in on this. Impossible to even have a voice in gov without taking the bribe.

@robertvondarth1730

23 күн бұрын

They want you in rubber rooms.

@oldcaptainjack

23 күн бұрын

I’ve just checked the news, and the top story on bbc today is a man with a sword attacking people. I’m sure they’ll spend the next few days talking about an outright ban for sure now

@ravinraven6913

22 күн бұрын

There is a reason why we rebelled instead of asking for independence like Canada. No laws without representation. Just think how deadly it is for Switzerland to have all those gun owners, and how every ones trained with guns. How dangerous is it? Not really at all? Maybe the UK government needs to stop being snowflakes and grow a pair. World War 2 ended a long time ago, why is it the UK still feels like its living in war era UK where Germany is bombing them and all the food products look like they are rations and not actual sizes. There seems to be a lot of snow flake cowards there or a bunch of insane people who can't take it anymore

I collect antique swords and have done for years! I ordered one from a dealer on the south coast, it never arrived. I phoned the dealer and he said it had been signed for. Found out it had been delivered to a shop over a mile away and the parcel force driver was working with the shop to steal parcels. I managed to get the sword off them and the driver was sacked. Police would not proceed with any crime! The Post Office , Police and Parcel Force are a joke, this country has reached an all time low.

@dashcammer4322

23 күн бұрын

Police are too busy tracking down thought crime scofflaws.

@mackash

23 күн бұрын

Its just another middle east country now. Its over. Absorbed.

Interesting timing, almost like they knew it was going to happen...

I said it once, I will say it again; instead of wasting time with banning swords, knifes, hammers, sticks etc., U.K. lawmakers should just aim for the root of this problem and ban hands.

I nearly took a friend's eye out with a packet of Polo mints once. For God's sake, don't tell Parliament. Please!!!!

@drzander3378

23 күн бұрын

Ban Polo mints now!

We should all oppose bans on blades and words. I'm talking to you UK and Australia.

@mackash

23 күн бұрын

We keep letting in Thrd wrld. They are the problem/solution that the gov needs to pass their laws.

@UnbeltedSundew

23 күн бұрын

And Canada. You might as well include any Commonwealth country that didn't leave by rebelling.

@ItsDeffoChris

22 күн бұрын

You don't oppose bans on free speech. You oppose bans on free speech for yourself. Currently people are actually being cancelled and arrested for opposing a nuclear power carpet bombing an impoverished neighbour. I haven't seen any of the free speech brigade piping up about it.

This is disturbing. As an outsider I see the people in the UK, Australia and New Zealand losing their freedoms. Bans always start off small. Then they become total. Ask Australians about the selling and trading of WW2 German edged weapons.

@aiglonducal314

23 күн бұрын

Freedom has sailed a long time ago for the people of the UK, Australia, New Zealand or Canada (and obviously other places too).

@jimrutherford2773

23 күн бұрын

@@aiglonducal314 it's reversible if people take a stand.

@LordBurgerofFriesland

23 күн бұрын

Not just edged weapons, I'm pretty sure it's all WW2 German memorabilia at this point.

@jimrutherford2773

23 күн бұрын

@@LordBurgerofFriesland you're correct all German WW2 militaria. I only mentioned edged weapons because this is an edged weapon channel.

@mackash

23 күн бұрын

@@LordBurgerofFriesland And who are the ONLY ones still affected by that stuff? There is the root. They are doing this to us. We are paying the price for joining the wrong team.

My MP is Liz Truss......... We're Doomed!!

@tomhirons7475

23 күн бұрын

yes

@dashcammer4322

23 күн бұрын

Fizzy Lizzy.

@zednotzee7

23 күн бұрын

Daggers is your MP ? You have my sympathy.

@drzander3378

23 күн бұрын

@stonedog5547, Count yourself lucky. My MP voted for the continued terrorism of Hamas.

@scholagladiatoria

23 күн бұрын

Though funnily enough, she did actually make some good points about liberty, rights and freedom in some speeches....so she may actually listen. Please do write to her.

😂😂😂 So 900 years after Magna Carta, the english have allowed themselves to once again become no better than serfs to their Lords.

@jeannebecucomtessedubarry659

23 күн бұрын

Absolute madness that one had more freedoms in the "dark ages" than in this totally enlightened modern society. At least the acid spray bottles are not banned duh

@scholagladiatoria

23 күн бұрын

The English have always been serfs. Those that left are Americans.

@chrisplatten2293

19 күн бұрын

Magna Carta was about the barons vs the king. Any benefit accrued to serfs was coincidental.

@unclebubba5584

19 күн бұрын

@@chrisplatten2293 as an American of Scots and Irish heritage, I may see it a bit differently. But I am always willing to learn more.

The UK is very dedicated to 1) prove that privatization of public services is bad and 2) validate USA view on the right to bear arms.

@nixusthefurry

23 күн бұрын

All the Americans have to do is look. Point. Laugh. And make sure no silly lil political bastard ever thinks of something so ridiculous

@NDOhioan

20 күн бұрын

As a bisexual man from America, the past decade or so has shown me plenty of reasons to support the Second Amendment. Given the baseless conspiracy theories currently being peddled about LGBTQ+ people, I want to make sure I can defend myself if some fascist lunatic starts committing hate crimes.

As non brit: Commenting for algorithm, take care, good luck

Freedom is shrinking across the board

I wonder what excuse they're going to use to ban the next thing, whatever that happens to be.

@Mortablunt

23 күн бұрын

I was younger I used to joke about sword control, being next after gun control, but as it turned out, I was right.

@mackash

23 күн бұрын

Immigrants. That is the only thing they need. Like planting thistles in a flower garden.

Fight the good fight!

@robgrey6183

23 күн бұрын

Yeah, with plastic spoons!

Parcelforce are awful, I used to work for them, until they were privatized... I had a completely non sword related delivery from them the other day. Text told me I was out, CCTV told me parcelforce didnt attend.

@simonspoke

23 күн бұрын

The exact same thing happened to me yesterday with CCTV proof! They are a joke!

@joemurphy1189

23 күн бұрын

Privatising postal systems/healthcare/prison services/education etc never ends well. Instead of ‘efficiency’ you get slapdash service aimed at maximising profit for shareholders, with workers getting paid very little and not caring about their job.

Unfortunate timing there Mr Gladiatoria

Also I should point out that most curtailing of freedom is done through bureaucratic restriction of services rather than through law, because it's easier and harder to fight.

Our unique culture and heritage is exactly what they're after. And have been for a long time.

@codycarter7638

21 күн бұрын

That’s what it appears to us across the pond from y’all…no doubt about it.

They want to British public unable to defend themselves for what is coming, IYKYK.

This is outrageous! I just e-mailed the Home Secretary suggesting that either new legislation was needed or an amendment to existing legislation was required to prevent RM & PF from banning the delivery of swords (or indeed any legal object that’s safe for the carrier to handle).

This is outrageous, it's unfair! How can you ship a gun, but not a sword, via the same postal service

@scholagladiatoria

23 күн бұрын

Politics.

Sticks and rocks to be banned next followed by shovels and rakes.

@Youcannotfalter

23 күн бұрын

Sticks and stones are free if you want them and they are everywhere. They will ban breathing soon.

Use UPS or other carriers. I use UPS for my knife business.

@morgansmith1930

23 күн бұрын

Ditto - my family also has good experience with UPS (we use it for our cabinet business).

@scholagladiatoria

23 күн бұрын

I am trying set up a UPS account, but after a week they still haven't got back to me. Every other company has.

@jamesayrey384

15 күн бұрын

@@scholagladiatoria I'm trying to import a longsword from SIGI Forge. Is it confirmed UPS bypass Royal Mail/Parcel Force?

@josephlapietra4344

15 күн бұрын

​@@scholagladiatoria longtime viewer, firstime commenter! Have you had any resolution on this? I'm a small time knifemaker and have just started properly exporting my work to the UK. I've been told by my UK retailer that apparently shipments of slipjoint knives with blades under 3" sent via UPS have been denied by customs. It doesn't bode well for my little business. Love your content, best wishes for you going forward in this ridiculousness.

@scholagladiatoria

15 күн бұрын

@@josephlapietra4344 hi. To be honest, that doesn't really make sense to me. Those aren't the sort of knives that are in any way prohibited or restricted from postage. It might simply be that they don't like or understand the description on the import documents and it needs rewording. They all ship kitchen and craft knives, after all.

The utter lunacy in what they plan to achieve with this is crazy! I have sent an email to all you mentioned using your template with my own flare. Thank you for all your efforts on this! 👍

Isn't it law the postal services have to deliver anything legal despite their point of view? Perhaps time to sue the directorate who decided this?

@ravinraven6913

22 күн бұрын

supposed to but they are corrupt and pocket money. I sent something almost 5,000 miles through the post and they refused to deliver it the last stretch until we shelled out $60 more. 60 miles from covington to great yeldham or 4,745 miles back. I spent over $100 to send a box and they were going to spend over $100 shipping it back unless I paid them $60 cash......they are insane and break the law. They are greedy bast...ards

"We were trying to hide but also at the same time taking video of him attacking the police, and of the body on the floor, so, yeah, we were very scared and we didn't know what to do." 🤦🤦‍♂🤦‍♀

@terrenceroll3848

21 күн бұрын

Imagine if someone had been carrying a 9mm

Infuriating. I feel like I'm being treated like a criminal for having a perfectly legitimate hobby.

@zolikoff

23 күн бұрын

That's exactly what all such laws are. They treat the possession of a weapon as proof that there is intent to use it to commit a crime, just because it's physically possible to do so. This breaks the presumption of innocence. The law considers having the capability to commit crime as sufficient evidence that there is criminal intent. All such laws are immoral and need to be abolished. The legal system should do its job and investigate and punish actual criminals for committing actual crimes.

@ducthman4737

23 күн бұрын

Never think you live in a Free country. For those in power (not those in puppet government) you are less than a slave just a number and numbers have no rights.

@Matt-xc6sp

23 күн бұрын

First time? - American Gun Owner

@ravinraven6913

22 күн бұрын

haven't you heard the saying, they ruined it for everyone? Thats why you say something and stop letting other people dictate things. If you sit back and say and do nothing, you will just lose your rights. Thats why having a written constitution is paramount. You guys have one....its just not legit until its penned to paper

sorry your having to go through this.if it gets too bad over there ,consider packing up and moving to Kansas.would love to have you here!

Bring back smuggling on the Cornish coast😊

@xandlhofer8029

19 күн бұрын

The honourable pirates of Penzance will be at your Service mylord...

Im surprised they haven't baned sticks rocks and anything metallic, everything in the uk will be foam rubber.

@Anonym-gg1gt

23 күн бұрын

Only if the rubber is vegan and composable.

Remember when they said we'd lose all of our freedoms if we lost the war?

@mackash

23 күн бұрын

Hey, at least we aren't speaking German. Ha. What a joke. Germany was one of the most beautiful people/places on earth.

the UK privatized their postal service? jeez that country is imploding.

@vorynrosethorn903

23 күн бұрын

The government did it a decade ago, like when they sold off the gold reserves the insider trading was at the level where the motivation was pretty apparent.

@olanordmann2743

23 күн бұрын

Basically all of Europe did

@fatpad00

21 күн бұрын

Can you even call it Royal Mail at that point?

I'd say it's out of the blue. But it's not really surprising unfortunately. From Australia - best of luck to you Brits out there. Hope your country stops it's descent into madness and irrelevance. Hope my country stops it's descent into madness and irrelevance too!

@codycarter7638

21 күн бұрын

It’s all over the place…the USA is losing its collective mind as well…

This is what you get when you blame inanimate objects for the harms that criminals do, instead of blaming the criminals.

The British government has obviously gone completely mad.

They'll be coming for our assault spoons next.

As a more long term thing I would also suggest looking up the polling in your area and sending a letter to the candidate most likely to win in your constituency in the next election if they are different to your current one. We are going to have a general election in the next 10 months no matter what. And it’s likely that a lot of our existing MPs won’t be MPs afterwards. Also candidates have less on their plates than sitting MPs and are very keen to curry favour with potential voters. Get potential MPs thinking about this now and aware of the massive problems so it’s already in their minds should they win election.

Man, UK really sucks regarding their bans on various objects. It really doesn't make sense. Do you guys have many violent crimes involving swords ? (I'm living in France/Korea)

@joeojeda4651

23 күн бұрын

There are not allowed to talk about the peaceful people using machetes

@vorynrosethorn903

23 күн бұрын

Katana's, and only a handful of cases, the vast majority of bladed weapon crimes are by the same people who commit them in France, new Europeans shall we say.

@nevisysbryd7450

23 күн бұрын

Swords, no, knives, yes.

@Kozak806

23 күн бұрын

UK is pretty draconian in general if you hadn't noticed. As opposed to here in the US where you can have all the guns and blades you want but are denied basic medical care and will send bounty hunters to track your wife down for getting medically necessary care.

@jeannebecucomtessedubarry659

23 күн бұрын

@@joeojeda4651 I thought they upgraded to chemical weapons like bathroom cleaning agent

wow that is a very feudal situation.the gun ban is bad enough but the sword ban is really areiteration of feudal times where only the kings henchmen had swords. Make a secret stash and dig em in i say.

@kaoskronostyche9939

23 күн бұрын

This is not feudal. This is Authoritarian Totalitarianism.

@jeannebecucomtessedubarry659

23 күн бұрын

Depending on time and place, the subjects of feudal lords were required by law to own a certain amount of weaponry and armor, so this situation is way worse

Holy Hel. I had no idea things had gotten so bad that the UK sold their post office. Matt, get out of England and take as many of your swords with you as you can before they melt them down.

@sunstarsseekersanctuary4241

23 күн бұрын

He needs to come to Canada.

@ryanfosterthemagicegg1567

22 күн бұрын

@@sunstarsseekersanctuary4241 More like America. Canada is hardly any better than the UK.

@sunstarsseekersanctuary4241

21 күн бұрын

@@ryanfosterthemagicegg1567 We can still use swords.

@mrglasses8953

21 күн бұрын

@@sunstarsseekersanctuary4241 You government has just passed a law with life sentences for "hate speech" and 1 year in prison or 1 year under house arrest if the suspect you might commit a "hate crime."

@ryanfosterthemagicegg1567

19 күн бұрын

@@sunstarsseekersanctuary4241 For now...

You Brits should have never gave up your arms (guns) As we all know freedoms die by a thousand cuts.

@Guncriminal

23 күн бұрын

Your forgetting that we're ruled by idiots and peasants.

And today we have a sword attack in Hainault. There’s a ban coming down the line, I think.

There's a more sinister side to this ban..some will know what I'm talking about but most wont.

I just ordered a 33 inch double edged 'kitchen knife' with a full tang and scabbard.... what's the problem?

We'll just have to pivot our HEMA/fencing clubs to dueling with firearms

"I read the news today, oh boy..." NOT a good news day.

derp I guess the yellow samurai thing that is happening now won't help the cause

Wishing you guys the best from this side of the pond. I'd come help, but I'm neither a citizen nor a politician. As a martial artist and as one fascinated in swords since a very young age, this is sad and concerning.

Well done Mr. Easton. Keep it up

The correct way to oppose this is from the top of a roof.

Privatize public infrastructure! what could go wrong?

Government mandated parcel services that are owned & controlled by the exact opposite of the government? I don't know how much of the UK gov is controlled by lobbyists instead of representatives, but I can readily sympathize as a US resident. Best of luck to you Matt.

Sadly, this morning’s news will mean noMP will raise their head above the parapet anytime soon. I expect that this isolated incident will be used to justify ever more draconian restrictions on law abiding citizens. Also, I note that the weapon used was an already banned Wakizashi.

Just wait until they learn about mainhand weapons like spears and their efficacy without any training! Pointed stick might at some point face its last day! The sheer nerve to go after the more level headed of the enthusiasts - if you were going out of your way to do damage, guns or learning about chemicals would surely be more effective.

@sunstarsseekersanctuary4241

23 күн бұрын

I've found fencers to be very courteous and polite, level headed and nice. Unlike a lot of gun toting hot heads we find out here. It's a gentleman/woman's sport. So yeah, I am with you.

@Havamal3

23 күн бұрын

@@sunstarsseekersanctuary4241 The people with guns are still your allies though, same with people just collecting pocketknives, you all have the same interest of being left alone by an inept goverment fighting symptoms but not the problem. And not only collectors folk but also every citizen that values rights and freedom over fake security.

that sucks, brother. where i'm from it's written into federal law that citizens can own ANY weapon up to and including nuclear warheads and more lol ..

@stephencrompton4352

23 күн бұрын

This isn't even about owning swords (though I see it going that way). They're just making it deliberately difficult to even get one in the first place, even if we're legally allowed to have them.

Unfortunately I’ve been anticipating this ever since the ban on firearms. Yes, gun crime is down but criminals will always find a way to obtain weapons. Eventually UK citizens will be regulated and monitored for possession of any possible item that could be used as a weapon and crime will just keep going on like nothing has even happened. Banning weapons of any type is an incredibly flawed concept and does nothing to address the underlying issues. It’s been tried so many times throughout history and it’s never worked. It never will work because it doesn’t actually address the cause of the problem.

@nevisysbryd7450

23 күн бұрын

The increase in crime perpetrates using knives largely makes up the difference in firearms, along with a spike in hot robberies.

@Mtonazzi

23 күн бұрын

True, but seems that actually finding the root of the issue and combating it demands a series of mental, physical and financial efforts that they clearly don't want to spend. So they just drop "feel good" bans that makes them believe they're actually doing something and helps them sleep at night.

@Hullbreachdetected

17 күн бұрын

The problem is that there are more and more criminals. Criminals will get their weapons through illegal ways as always in the past, but law-abiding citizens will be more and more disarmed and regulatred, making them more vulnerable to those criminal acts. Basically, the government makes us easier targets for the thieves and murderers and toxic behaviour. Which makes one question, why abide laws? Just become a criminal and take what you want.

Dont worry about losing swords, you will get bugs.

That is going to be a very big problem for hundreds of thousands of people and not just in the UK but for people around the world.

As a resident of Japan, I can say that this law won't be the end of the world, but stuff like this is SO STUPID AND A WASTE OF TIME FOR POLITICIANS TO SUPPORT. Ridiculous. This does nothing to keep people safer, and distracts from more important issues.

@aiglonducal314

23 күн бұрын

I don't see why the fact you're a resident of Japan is relevant here: do you imply that Japan has even more stringent regulations when it comes to sword transport or circulation? Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I heard that Japan was exemplary when it comes to protecting their traditions and heritage, including martial ones. And that for this reason, their laws were crafted in a way that preserves everything sword-related, for example: the right to make these, sell these, buy these, use these and I would imagine transport these (all this in accordance with the law, of course)...

@jeffgoode9865

23 күн бұрын

@@aiglonducal314 I was referring to knife and blade laws in Japan. They're horribly stringent, to the point that even carrying a multi tool is ill-advised. And you better be able to prove your need for it. I feel the sword transportation regulations being proposed are coming as a branch from more general anxiety about knives and blades in the UK. So, my connection is that the strict laws in Japan have not actually made any difference in violent crimes and murders, though the japanese government tries to skew the numbers to look good. Similarly (I feel. Many may disagree with me) that new laws and regulations of blades in the UK stem from a desire to reduce potential violence, but the only thing it will likely do is just make life more of a hassle for those interested in blades as an enthusiast or scholar. I can see, however, how Japan not being as strict on transportation of swords as this potential UK regulation can call into question my making a connection where there is none. I don't actually know the specific laws on swords, here. Only knives and shorter blades. My statement is more about my issue with strict regulations which are meant to prevent violence, but don't actually do much.

@xandlhofer8029

19 күн бұрын

Still hurtful the post war Ban on Samurai swords - followed by a sacking and confiscation - that led to the loss of countless most precious artifacts and weapons - only to become cheap souvenirs or beeing destroyed....

If the other couriers don’t follow suit it should be ok

@Guncriminal

23 күн бұрын

Makes you wonder who's leaning on them.

This is a horrible turn of events. I wish you the best of luck in affecting change

As a Californian, I understand the frustration. Of course no logical person thought for a second that they would stop at handguns. First thing to do is find out who your government sold out to and why? I’m guessing when they privatized the postal service nobody got a tax refund

@xandlhofer8029

19 күн бұрын

California is great, though if I was living in the US I'd propably move to texas.

And then, today, April 30th, a "sword-wielding" attacker killed a 14-year-old and attacked passers-by. Just what you needed, huh? Of course, had this nut-ball not been able to get his hands on a sword, he'd have simply used something else to wreak mayhem and tragedy on strangers. This type of crime was predicted by a S/F author Brunner in a book titled 'Stand on Zanzibar' which I encourage everyone to read. He called them "muckers". He also predicted supercomputers, AI, 24-hour news, thousands of video channels, and much more. It will give you some insight into the crazy people and the crazy laws they elicit.

Gutted, only recently got into Hema and was getting ready to order my first feder and a sabre for use at my club. Looks like this will be a difficult process in the future.

The ban will not be lifted, becauss a mental person just killed a 13 year old boy and wounded several others with a katana... The one case in 10 years and it happens at the worst possible moment.

@bushcraft_in_the_north

18 күн бұрын

Maybe they payed him too do it, just a thought. I belive they are willing to do anything,it happens in the US.

@I_Willenbrock_I

17 күн бұрын

@@bushcraft_in_the_north mate... That's tinfoil hat level...

@bushcraft_in_the_north

17 күн бұрын

@@I_Willenbrock_I no it is critical thinking. It fits too good too be true. Just saying,who knows. The Government do things that is pure evil,very often. Things we the people would be executed for or put away for life.

Man, Im Canadan, and this seems extreme even to me. It's odd that a sword isn't considered a cultural or heritage thing.

@terrenceroll3848

21 күн бұрын

They are but the elites are hostile to culture and heritage, specifically of the european sort.

And then you have that guy go and attack people with a sword today. Not likely to tone down the regulation.

Do we know what kind of sword was used today in the horrendous street attack yet? Have they said if it was already a banned item? If it was, it gives me a tiny bit of hope they won’t come after owners with a full ban. It’s bad owners that are the problem. Same with guns in the states.

Truly patience of english citizens is limitless.

@JS-fs9eh

21 күн бұрын

Patience or blind compliance? Our general public couldn’t give two flying fucks about what the government ban, as long as they leave their football, beer and shit takeaway food alone. Bread and circuses.

I'm glad you found out what was used: "The item used was an apparently illegal (since 2008) cheap replica samurai sword - an item already banned in the UK for the last 16 years." Reading on the internet, I saw the usual terrorist references and blaming the knife crime on the other political side (doesn't matter which side, it's the other side, always the other side; even if one party is indeed trying to build a platform on the idea of banning all swords). I'm afraid that people are not willing to listen to reason, so the fight to restore shipping and to safeguard our hobbies and livelihoods will not be easy. 😐

Some people have whole companies about selling bladed weapons and make a living doing it what will happen to them.We also have people like me who are militaria collectors and we cant now get our Swords Bayonets Daggers etc

It maybe too late for the UK But the rest of the WORLD must choose FREEDOM OVER DEMOCRACY

As much as people rag on and joke about UK weapon regulations, the idea of just completely blocking all swords is so absurd. Another action that will screw over a huge amount of regular, law-abiding citizens while doing nothing to help safety.

Sorry, this is a bit off topic, but I would like to know your opinion/knowledge about Japanese shikomizue swords. Thank you in advance.

If they ban swords and postal shipment then the lady of the lake will have to go back to the classics.

In Australia all couriers refuse to touch blades of any type. Australia post is the only option remaining. It's mental

Sounds like a warning about the dangers of privatizing government infrastructure.

@aiglonducal314

23 күн бұрын

But the government are the ones coming up with these idiotic laws in the first place (even if in this case the carriers have expected the expectations...)!

Here we go again 🙄

Love to see you and American 2a KZread Colion Noir have a chat...

It would seem the swords should've been put to use a while back if this is what tptb have come to. And by tptb, I mean juice.

I recently purchased a blade in the UK which was delivered by Parcelforce just last week, surprised at this! let's fight these stupid regulations that will not address the root causes of knife crime, fight poverty, not people ✊️

@terrenceroll3848

23 күн бұрын

It's not poverty, it's something else.

So, I’m a little confused. What couriers in the UK now carry swords? If, for example, i ordered a sword from the US to be sent to me in the UK. Other than lying on the customs form (which does happen), what options do I have?

@morgansmith1930

23 күн бұрын

Not sure if UPS is still an option; I haven't heard of any changes to their policies recently, and they do carry things internationally.

@katfezza4570

22 күн бұрын

UPS can transport swords in the UK as long as "adult signature required" is selected.

For what free advice on the internet is worth I'm not sure politely asking for the bare minimum is a good strategy. They will "compromise" and do something like give limited protection to some movie companies and certain military personnel but leave put museums. Politely ask for more than the minimum. Maybe hobbyists should be able to order swords without being a licensed antiquities dealer. Maybe people who want to get into the film industry should be able to make their own independent low budget film featuring swords without being affiliated with an established film house.

Hmm, if you can't ship a complete sword, perhaps they would ship one in kit form. After all it could be argued that it is not a sword just the parts.

Its strange, I tried to send a albion sword from switzerland to germany. FedEx and DHL won't tranport any swords. I never thougt, that it would be so difficult to send a sword to a other country, wehre this item is legal.

Parcelfarce have always been crap. Several years ago I ordered some air-soft equipment from Hong Kong. Two of the items were gas magazines for an airsoft pistol. These come empty and need gas put into them to be used. They were posted by the Hong Kong Postal Service and arrived in the UK two days later. I got an email from Parcelfarce telling me there was duty to pay and paid it whereupon I was advised to collect my parcel at their warehouse in NI. I drove up to collect it but the local staff couldn't find it. After numerous emails and calls it was eventually found in the corner of a warehouse still back in England. I was then advised they couldn't send it to NI as gas magazines couldn't be put on a plane. Strange that as I doubt it had been sent from Hong Kong to the UK by speedboat. I ended up getting them to deliver it to my sister in England who reposted it by Royal Mail who delivered it fine. Hong Kong to UK - 2 days. England to Northern Ireland - 2 flipping months...

This is happening even with knives. And we cannot ignore or underestimate the current events and news. We need to firmly distance ourselves and our channels from violence. And at the same time we need to change the general perception of what a knife and a sword is nowadays. That is why I am organising an exhibition with the intent to show these objects as art. In this way we educate the public (and ourselves) on the value of these beautiful blades and pay the due respect to the makers