Allow licensed pepper spray for DBS-cleared adults to improve safety.
Amend the Firearms Act to allow licensed OC pepper spray for adults who pass enhanced DBS checks and a mandatory training course, with strict storage rules, limits on strength, independent testing, and strong penalties for misuse, to help improve women’s safety.
Signatures
18
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 18/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 18/100,000
- 02 DEC 2025Petition rejectedduplicate
You may wish to sign the following petition, which calls for similar action: Legalise pepper spray in England: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/742673
- 03 NOV 2025Petition created
Background
Women are disproportionately targeted for violent and sexual offences, and many feel unsafe travelling alone, especially at night. Current prevention measures are not enough. Other democratic countries safely allow licensed OC spray with checks and training. A strictly regulated licence system here could deter attackers, improve personal safety, and give women an evidence-based, non-lethal, last-resort defensive option.