Could our approach to chemical weapons help reduce the threat of acid attacks?

UK expertise in preventing the misuse of chemical weapons should be applied to tackling the alarming rise in acid violence

On 13 July, five acid attacks occurred across north London in the space of ninety minutes, causing "life-changing" injuries in at least one case, with others severely injured. Two of the alleged attackers have been arrested, yet little is known about them. This follows several incidents of acid violence in London, including an attack last month against Resham Khan and Jameel Muhktar.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Cressida Dick, has sought to calm the brewing hysteria, stating that "I don't want people to think this is happening all over London all the time, it is really not". But the Met is now working with the Home Office to see if any changes in the law are required. Earlier this month the Home Office and the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) held a joint summit on acid attacks in which the government's approach was laid out. This includes reviewing sentencing for such attacks, ensuring legislation is effectively used, and "working with retailers to"restrict access to the most harmful products."