{"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/771541.json"},"data":{"type":"petition","id":771541,"attributes":{"action":"Review and Remove Religious Exemptions to UK Knife Carrying Laws","background":"We call on the UK Government to remove religious exemptions that allow the carrying of knives or bladed articles in public. Public safety and equal application of the law should take precedence, with knife-carrying permitted only for essential occupational or emergency purposes.","additional_details":"Knife laws should apply equally to everyone regardless of religion, belief, or background. While freedom of religion is important, we believe public safety requires a consistent approach to carrying bladed articles in public. Removing religious exemptions would simplify enforcement, reduce ambiguity, and reinforce the principle that the same laws apply to all citizens. Occupational and emergency service exemptions could remain where there is a clear practical necessity.","committee_note":null,"state":"rejected","signature_count":7,"created_at":"2026-06-02T16:37:30.587Z","updated_at":"2026-06-18T16:07:35.840Z","rejected_at":"2026-06-18T16:07:31.819Z","opened_at":null,"closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-06-04T16:08:10.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":null,"government_response_at":null,"debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":null,"rejection":{"code":"duplicate","details":"You may wish to sign this petition, which calls for similar action: “Ban carrying religious, cultural & ceremonial bladed & pointed items in public” https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/770412"},"government_response":null,"debate":null,"departments":[],"topics":[]}}}