Allow licensed citizens to carry approved non-lethal devices for self-defence

Knife attacks are rising - 50,000+ last year alone. Police numbers are falling, ordinary citizens are left defenceless. We seek a balanced, modern approach - allowing defensive parity between citizens and attackers, under strict legal and ethical boundaries. The UK already trusts citizens to hold driving licences, own sporting firearms, and operate machinery - all of which carry risks. It is reasonable to extend that trust, under control, to the responsible and limited use of defensive devices.