Tory MP proposes GPS tracker for every single knife sold in the UK Scott Mann, MP for North Cornwall, added exemptions such as fishing would be acceptable

A Conservative MP proposed GPS tracking for “every knife sold in the UK”.

The proposal was suggested as a means of dealing with increasing levels of knife crime in the UK.

Scott Mann, representative for North Cornwall tweeted the country needed a database “like we do with guns”.

The i politics newsletter cut through the noise Email address is invalid Email address is invalid Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, there was a problem with your subscription.

He added there would be exemptions from the policy as long as individuals had “a bloody good explanation” such as fishing.

An MP since May 2015, the politician’s comments have been ridiculed online.

Every knife sold in the UK should have a gps tracker fitted in the handle. It’s time we had a national database like we do with guns. If you’re carrying it around you had better have a bloody good explanation, obvious exemptions for fishing etc. — Scott Mann MP (@scottmann4NC) March 14, 2019

His full comment was: “Every knife sold in the UK should have a GPS tracker fitted in the handle.

“It’s time we had a national database like we do with guns. If you’re carrying it around you had better have a bloody good explanation, obvious exemptions for fishing etc.”

His tweet came after the Ministry of Justice announced that knife crime offences were at the highest number since 2009.

Responses online

Much of the criticism online pointed out the vast number of knives sold for cooking purposes and the cost of technology Mr Mann is suggesting.

Shane Telford responded with: “Can we do the same for teaspoons because I’m forever losing them?”

Ash Sarkar pointed out “the main problem with stabbings is not knowing where the knife is”.

I don’t think the main problem with stabbings is not knowing where the knife is. — Ash Sarkar (@AyoCaesar) March 14, 2019

Daniel Tilles mocked Mr Mann’s tweet with a picture of a dinner party in Kensington with four knives now being dubbed a “gang confrontation”.

"Trackers are showing a gang confrontation in Kensington. All units, prepare to enter premises. Lethal force authorised" pic.twitter.com/uEDOcV3oT1 — Daniel Tilles (@danieltilles1) March 14, 2019

Twitter user FKA_J queried how the proposed policy would impact “the whittling community”.

and what about the whittling community? — socially distant (@fka_j) March 14, 2019

James Felton shared concerns of what would happen if he took cutlery for lunch.

“Police slam me to the ground tasering me in the nuts: ‘YOU’D BETTER BE F*****G FISHING, SON OR YOU’RE GETTING LOCKED UP FOR A LONG TIME'”

*going to work as normal, taking cutlery with me for my packed lunch* Police slam me to the ground, tasering me in the nuts:

"YOU'D BETTER BE FUCKING FISHING, SON OR YOU'RE GETTING LOCKED UP FOR A LONG FUCKIN TIME" — James Felton (@JimMFelton) March 14, 2019

Who is Mr Mann?

On a summer boat trip in 2016 the MP for North Cornwall had to be rescued from drowning by fellow MP Johnny Mercer as he was too ashamed to admit to his friend that he could not swim.

He campaigned to leave the European Union in the 2016.

In July last year, he resigned from his role as Secretary to HM Treasury in protest of Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit plan.

Knife crime in the UK

NHS England figures showed a rise of almost a third in admissions caused by assault with a knife or other sharp object.

Last week it was revealed that more than 1,000 10-19-year-olds admitted to hospital last year from knife wounds – compared to more than 650 in 2012-13. A rise of about 55 per cent.