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Closed Legalise carrying and using pepper spray for self-defence

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Pepper spray is a popular self-defence tool used around the world. However, in the UK, it is illegal to possess or use pepper spray, labelled a "firearm". If legalised, it can empower people to defend themselves against attackers, and could help provide opportunities to escape a dangerous situation.

According to the Office for National Statistics, in the year ending March 2021, there were 55,000 recorded offences of rape, with women accounting for almost 90% of victims. Additionally, there were an estimated 773,000 victims of sexual assault for the year ending March 2020, with women accounting for almost 80% of victims.

With the legalisation of pepper spray, we believe these numbers can be reduced drastically, and women can feel a lot safer walking home from work or a night out.

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    If this petition gets 10,000 signatures, government will respond to it.

    If this petition gets 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.

    This petition will stay open until 13 September 2023.