Petition
Allow law abiding citizens to carry regulated, non lethal self defence items
Rejected
21 signatures
What the petition asks
We want the Government to review and update self defence laws to allow law abiding citizens to carry non lethal self defence items, such as pepper spray or personal taser with incapacitant features, under strict regulation. This would help people feel safer and better protected in public spaces.
Following the horrific knife attack aboard the LNER train on Saturday 1st November 2025, it is clear that ordinary people can find themselves defenceless in the face of violence.
Current UK law prohibits carrying any item intended for self defence. Citizens may only use objects that ‘come to hand’ during an attack, leaving them unprepared and vulnerable.
Many European countries, allow regulated possession of non lethal self defence tools such as pepper spray or taser.
Current UK law prohibits carrying any item intended for self defence. Citizens may only use objects that ‘come to hand’ during an attack, leaving them unprepared and vulnerable.
Many European countries, allow regulated possession of non lethal self defence tools such as pepper spray or taser.
Why it was rejected
There was already a petition about this issue. Duplicates are rejected so signatures collect in one place.
You may wish to sign the following petition, which calls for similar action:
Legalise pepper spray in England: Legalise pepper spray in England
Legalise pepper spray in England: Legalise pepper spray in England
Timeline
| 2 Nov 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 2 Dec 2025 | Rejected by the Petitions Committee |
Key facts
Signatures
21
Status
Rejected
Rejected
2 Dec 2025
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 27 Jul 2026.