Crackdown on chemicals used to make dangerous weapons

The government has announced plans to tighten regulations on castor beans and rosary peas, which can be used to produce the toxic substances ricin and abrin. These seeds will be added to the list of regulated poisons under UK law, making it a criminal offence to sell them to unlicensed members of the public. The move follows evidence that the Southport attacker purchased castor beans online to make ricin, leading to his conviction under the Biological Weapons Act 1974. The proposed changes aim to close gaps in existing controls that currently allow these seeds to be bought for gardening or decoration.

Under the Poisons Act 1972, the government also seeks to restrict access to other dangerous poisons and chemicals that can be used to make explosives or pose national security risks. Businesses and shops would be required to report suspicious transactions, and individuals would need a licence to obtain these substances. The changes are designed to prevent dangerous chemicals from falling into the wrong hands while acknowledging legitimate uses for certain substances.

The proposals are part of the government’s commitment to implement recommendations from phase one of the Southport Inquiry, which highlighted the need for stricter regulation of castor beans. Ricin and abrin are already strictly controlled due to their extreme toxicity, but the seeds used to produce them have remained accessible. The government emphasises that protecting the public is its first duty, and these measures aim to address vulnerabilities exposed by the Southport attack.

A public consultation has been launched to gather views from the public, industry, and businesses on the proposed changes. The consultation will assess the impact of the new regulations and ensure they are implemented effectively. The government invites feedback to refine the proposals before finalising the amendments to the Poisons Act 1972.