Raise the age of consent to 18 with peer exception for 16-17 year olds

Open for signatures 152 signatures

What the petition asks

Set the legal age of consent at 18. Allow a “close-in-age” or “peer” exception: 16–17 year olds can consent only with other 16–17 year olds. Make it illegal for any adult (18+) to engage in sexual activity with someone under 18, unless they had an existing sexual relationship from age 16/17.

This proposal is about safeguarding, not restriction. Teenagers form peer relationships, but there is a clear difference between these and those involving adults. We believe that raising the age of consent to 18, with a close-in-age/peer exception, would better protect young people from exploitation while respecting development. We believe that at 16 individuals are still maturing and should not be considered able to consent to sex with adults, not only those in positions of trust.

Timeline

14 May 2026

Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 152

Status Open for signatures

Department Home Office

Opened 14 May 2026

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