Knife laws ‘deflection tactic’ in Henry Nowak case failings

Nowak’s father told ITV News the law should define the kirpan’s size, type and whether it must be visible.

He added: “And therefore, anything else should be made illegal.”

Mahmood told the same broadcaster: “I haven’t taken any options off the table.

“I’m also not going in with a fixed mind about what the right clarifications of the law might be.

“It’s important to get the right balance between religious expression in this country, which is something that many of us of a faith, including myself, hold very dearly, but do so in a way that is within what we expect of our citizens for the purposes of the criminal law.”

A Home Office spokesperson added: “The Home Secretary has announced a rapid independent review into the circumstances surrounding Henry’s murder, including whether opportunities were missed and whether lessons can be learned.

“British Sikhs make an outstanding contribution to our country, and there is absolutely no place for hatred or prejudice.”

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said: “There is no freedom to murder in any religion and I think that we need to bring some common sense into this.”