In a shocking twist following the Southport murders, Labour politicians have shifted the focus to Amazon after it was revealed that the kitchen knife used by 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana was purchased online. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper branded it a “total disgrace,” but critics argue that this scapegoating ignores the deeper failures that led to the tragic deaths of three innocent girls.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has since proposed strict new measures for purchasing knives online, including a two-step ID verification process requiring live video checks. While Amazon has launched its own investigation, critics like GB News’ Emily Carver have called the response “bizarre,” pointing out the ease with which similar knives could be obtained from any household kitchen.
Security expert Dr. Alan Mendoza noted that the government is deflecting from the true problem:
“This isn’t about kitchen knives or Amazon. It’s about the authorities ignoring years of warning signs, from violent incidents at school to extremist behavior. They missed multiple chances to intervene.”
Indeed, Rudakubana had reportedly exhibited alarming behavior, including attacking classmates, watching beheading videos, and consuming extremist content. Critics say the government’s focus on Amazon sidesteps these systemic failures.
The Prime Minister’s proposed measures to restrict online knife sales come amid rising scrutiny over the government’s handling of the case. Calls for accountability have grown louder after it was revealed that critical information about Rudakubana’s motives, including links to extremist materials, was withheld for months.
Dr. Mendoza questioned the government’s priorities:
“Why didn’t they reveal this information earlier? It could have prevented riots and reassured the public. Instead, they’re shifting the narrative to blame Amazon and kitchen knives.”
Reports suggest Rudakubana had a history of violent tendencies. Just weeks before the attack, he was stopped by his father from taking a knife to school. These red flags were reportedly known to both the police and the Crown Prosecution Service, raising serious questions about why no decisive action was taken.
While the government focuses on regulating knives and online sales, experts and commentators argue the real issue lies in the systemic failures of institutions meant to protect the public. Mark White, GB News’ Home and Security Editor, summed it up:
“This was a failure of authorities at every level. Blaming knives or Amazon is missing the point entirely.”
The controversy has sparked widespread debate. Many see the focus on Amazon as a political distraction from the core issues of law enforcement and systemic negligence.
As Emily Carver concluded:
“Is the problem the knives, Amazon, or the people using them—and the authorities that ignored every warning sign? The answer seems clear.”
The fallout from the Southport tragedy continues to raise difficult questions about accountability, transparency, and the government’s priorities in ensuring public safety.
