Petition · past parliament · Home Office

Two year minimum sentencing for 1st time offenders caught with a knife 16 yrs +

Closed 1,139 signatures

What the petition asks

Since 2015, people aged 16 to 17 years old caught in possession of a knife face a minimum of 4 months custodial sentence and adults from 18 years onwards will face a minimum 6 months. It appears that hasn't been able to deter people from carrying a knife
If the minimum sentence were increased substantially, then perhaps an individual would think twice about carrying a knife on the streets, in public.

I personally know the devastating impact it causes. As we move forward, increasing the minimum sentencing would send a strong message to future offenders that it's not worth destroying their own life and somebody else's.

Too many families have lost loved ones to this senseless crime. We must change the sentencing to help our future generations.

Timeline

20 Oct 2020 Petition opened for signatures
20 Apr 2021 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 1,139
Status Closed
Department Home Office
Opened 20 Oct 2020
Closed 20 Apr 2021

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.