Petition · past parliament
Exempt the use of a knife from self-defence and reasonable force.
Closed
327 signatures
What the petition asks
When someone stabs another unarmed person who is not carrying a knife, they should not be able to claim self-defence. For example, when someone is punched and they respond by stabbing the other to death with a knife.
Anyone that goes out on the streets in a public place carrying a knife, should not be allowed to claim they used the knife in self-defence whether someone punches them or shouts at them or throws something at them.
People are being acquitted even when the other person is unarmed and not carrying a knife.
The law needs to change. If you go out with a knife it should be presumed that you do so with the intention to use it. No-one should be allowed to say they carry for protection.
People are being acquitted even when the other person is unarmed and not carrying a knife.
The law needs to change. If you go out with a knife it should be presumed that you do so with the intention to use it. No-one should be allowed to say they carry for protection.
Timeline
| 21 Jun 2018 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 21 Dec 2018 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
327
Status
Closed
Opened
21 Jun 2018
Closed
21 Dec 2018
Follow this petition
Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.
Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.