Petition · Home Office

Review Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861

Closed 47 signatures

What the petition asks

We want the Government to review Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. We think it’s outdated and too broad. We think we need a fairer, modern law that reflects the severity and context of each case and avoids lifelong consequences for minor or provoked incidents.
We think section 47 fails to reflect individual circumstances, leaving people with lifelong consequences for brief or provoked incidents. We feel it doesn’t account for self-defence, harassment, or mental health factors. We think a review is needed to ensure justice is fair, proportionate, and fit for today’s society. We feel it treats all ABH incidents the same, ignoring intent, context, and severity. People may face lifelong consequences for brief or provoked actions. We think we need a review for fair and proportionate justice.

Timeline

11 Aug 2025 Petition opened for signatures
11 Feb 2026 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 47
Status Closed
Department Home Office
Opened 11 Aug 2025
Closed 11 Feb 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 20 Aug 2026.