Allow adults (18+) to carry regulated defensive sprays for self-defence

Rejected 10 signatures

What the petition asks

Legalise safe, regulated pepper/OC sprays and gels for adults (18+) with strict controls.

Every day in the UK people are attacked with knives or sexually assaulted. In 2024, over 50,000 knife offences and 71,000 rapes were recorded. Law-abiding citizens currently have almost no legal way to protect themselves.

The UK is one of the few developed countries where civilians cannot carry non-lethal defensive sprays or gels.

We ask the Government to allow adults aged 18+ to legally possess and carry regulated defensive sprays and gels for self-defence. Products should meet safety standards, be sold via licensed retailers with age checks, and exclude stun guns and tasers. Misuse or sale to minors should remain a criminal offence.

Why this matters: Regulated sprays give law-abiding people a safe, non-lethal way to stop or escape attacks, helping protect those most at risk.

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

Timeline

2 Nov 2025	Petition opened for signatures
2 Dec 2025	Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 10

Status Rejected

Rejected 2 Dec 2025

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