Morrisons to stop selling household product over safety fears

Morrisons has begun removing traditional pointed kitchen knives from its shelves in a UK-first move aimed at reducing knife crime. The retailer will now offer only blunt-ended knives designed not to pierce skin, a policy supported by anti-knife campaigners and charities. Police data show knife or sharp-instrument offences rose to 49,151 last year, up about 50% over the past decade. Morrisons corporate affairs director David Scott said blunt knives remain effective in the kitchen while lowering harm risk. Campaigner Leanne Lucas, who survived a July 2024 knife attack, has pressed for rounded tips, echoing calls from The Ben Kinsella Trust. Morrisons also outlined plans to close around 100 stores in the coming months after a staff consultation on May 21, targeting loss-making sites identified as the most challenged in its estate. The retailer stressed that expansion of its Convenience business remains central, with about 1,700 convenience stores and more than 120 new franchise outlets opened last year, and a robust plan for further expansion in 2026. The closures follow a strategic review triggered by the 2022 McColl's acquisition and reflect ongoing portfolio optimisation as Morrisons navigates performance pressures.