Rejected petition Legalise Non-Lethal Self-Defence Tools for Personal Safety

Legalise non-lethal self-defence tools—pepper spray, dye sprays, and low-voltage tasers—under strict licensing and training. Personal alarms are legal but passive; we propose active deterrents for vulnerable people with safeguards against misuse.

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The recent mass stabbing on a UK train, which left nine people critically injured, highlights the urgent need for regulated self-defence tools. Vulnerable individuals deserve access to non-lethal deterrents—like pepper spray or tasers—to protect themselves in public spaces. Licensing and training can ensure safety without escalating violence. Other countries already permit such tools safely; the UK should follow suit to improve public safety and equality.

This petition was rejected

Why was this petition rejected?

There’s already a petition about this issue. We cannot accept a new petition when we already have one about a very similar issue.

You are more likely to get action on this issue if you sign and share a single petition.

You may wish to sign the following petition, which calls for similar action:

Legalise pepper spray in England: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/742673

We only reject petitions that don’t meet the petition standards.

Date submitted 2 November 2025
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