Petition · past parliament · Department of Health and Social Care
Raise the age of consent in the UK to 18 years old.
Closed
174 signatures
What the petition asks
In 1875, the age of consent was raised from 12 to 13. In 1885 it was then raised to 16. It has been 135 years, it is time to raise it once again.
In the UK you cannot legally enter bars, strip clubs or watch pornography if you are under 18. You cannot purchase alcohol or tobacco, offensive weapons or fireworks.
You are, in the eyes of the law, a child.
A child should not be allowed to get married. A child should not be treated like an adult if someone sexually assaults them.
It has been 135 years since the age of consent was last reformed. The time has come again once more.
Raise the age of consent to 18 in the UK.
You are, in the eyes of the law, a child.
A child should not be allowed to get married. A child should not be treated like an adult if someone sexually assaults them.
It has been 135 years since the age of consent was last reformed. The time has come again once more.
Raise the age of consent to 18 in the UK.
Timeline
| 23 Jul 2020 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 23 Jan 2021 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
174
Status
Closed
Department
Department of Health and Social Care
Opened
23 Jul 2020
Closed
23 Jan 2021
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.