The act addresses crimes related to acid attacks (including the sale and possession in public places of corrosive substances); knife crime prevention orders; the sale of, delivery and possession of knives and other offensive weapons; and introduced further restrictions on firearms.

[2] It was introduced to Parliament as a government bill by Sajid Javid and Baroness Williams of Trafford of the Home Office.

[41] The bill's committee stage began in July 2018 when it was debated by a public bill committee chaired by Mike Gapes.

[42] The committee reported to Parliament on 28 November 2018, with the bill having its third reading the same day.

[41] The Lords Committee first debated the bill on 28 January and made its report in February 2019.