Legalise Pepper Spray for Self-Defence in the UK (also known as oleoresin capsicum spray, OC spray).
In an era of rising violent crime across the UK, it has become increasingly unacceptable that law-abiding citizens are denied access to non-lethal self-defence tools such as pepper spray. When faced with armed criminals wielding knives, bats, and other deadly weapons, the public deserves the right to protect themselves.
The situation becomes particularly dire in confined environments such as trains, tubes, and other public venues where emergency services cannot respond immediately. In these trapped environments, citizens are left completely vulnerable to violent attacks with no means of defence.
Pepper spray represents the least this government can do to help protect its citizens. As a non-lethal form of self-defence, pepper spray can incapacitate attackers without causing permanent harm, providing a proportionate response to violent threats.
While concerns about misuse are valid, it's important to recognise that there are already numerous offensive and lethal weapons that people can carry and misuse inappropriately. The potential for misuse should not prevent law-abiding citizens from having access to effective, non-lethal self-defence options.
The time has come for the UK government to prioritise the safety of its citizens. A step towards this would be legalising pepper spray for personal protection.
Oliver E.
Kent
"I do not want my wife and kids to be in a confined space like a train or tube and have nothing to defend themselves with..."
Andrew C.
Nottinghamshire
"Delivery driver working all hours. I've been threatened multiple times and have no way to defend myself."
Robert D.
Glasgow, Lanarkshire
"I worry this could lead to an escalation in violence and misuse by people who don't take it seriously."
Lisa
London
"I'm a single mother who does shift work. I should have the right to protect myself and get home safely to my child."
James W.
Liverpool, Merseyside
"My wife was robbed last month. She couldn't fight back and now she's afraid to leave the house alone."
Rachel
Cardiff, South Glamorgan
"I support the principle but want to see regulations around the sale of such items to prevent misuse."
David W.
Leeds, West Yorkshire
"Criminals carry knives and worse, but law-abiding citizens can't even carry pepper spray? This is backwards."
Emma
London, Greater London
"I work in healthcare and finish shifts at all hours. The current situation leaves vulnerable people like myself complete..."
Michael T.
Birmingham, West Midlands
"My daughter was assaulted on her way home from university. She had no way to defend herself. This needs to change."
Sarah J.
Greater Manchester
"As someone who commutes late at night, I feel vulnerable. Pepper spray or similar would give me peace of mind without h..."
Simply asking the government for change via an online government petition is not enough. A compelling case needs to be presented with statistics, facts, and verified concerns from real citizens across the UK.
We will use this verified data to officially write and present to Members of Parliament with comprehensive evidence of their constituents' engagement and concerns regarding pepper spray legalisation. The data will be anonymised and aggregated to show:
We will never hand over full contact details or email addresses of people who register their concerns on our site. Only anonymised, aggregated data showing genuine public engagement will be presented to parliamentarians.
Every verified response strengthens our case and gives MPs the evidence they need to support this vital safety legislation.
In a nation grappling with a surge in violent crime over the past decade, everyday items like Deep Heat spray risk turning law-abiding citizens into criminals if carried for protection.
In an era of escalating tensions about violent crime and self-defence debates, oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray—better known as pepper spray—remains restricted in the UK.
Latest ONS figures show over 51,000 knife-related offences across England and Wales in the year ending June 2025. Violent crime remains a significant threat to communities.
A recent survey reveals that 58% of young women feel unsafe on public transport after dark, with women disproportionately affected by fear of violent crime.
An analysis of pepper spray legislation across Europe shows that proper regulation, not prohibition, is the key to balancing public safety with individual protection rights.