STORY
The Government has announced proposals to restrict access to castor beans and rosary peas because they can be used to produce the highly toxic substances ricin and abrin. The materials would be added to the regulated poisons list, making it a criminal offence to sell them to members of the public who do not hold a valid licence.
The measures follow recommendations from the first phase of the Southport Inquiry. Police investigating the Southport attacker found evidence that he had bought castor beans online to produce ricin, resulting in his conviction under the Biological Weapons Act 1974. Ricin and abrin are already controlled, but the seeds from which they can be produced remain available for purposes including gardening and decoration.
Further controls have been proposed for other poisons and chemicals capable of being used to manufacture explosives. Businesses would be required to report suspicious transactions, while individuals with a legitimate requirement for a controlled substance could apply for a licence. Security Minister Dan Jarvis said the changes would close gaps exposed by the Southport attack and reduce the risk of dangerous chemicals being weaponised. A consultation is seeking views from the public, businesses and industry.