Improve women’s safety by legalising licensed pepper spray

Background

Legalise a tightly regulated, licensed non-lethal defensive spray for self-defence. Adults aged 18+ who pass a criminal-record check should be able to carry an approved capsicum spray under strict product, training and registration rules, with tough penalties for misuse.

Additional details

Women face widespread violence: ONS data show ~900,000 sexual assaults a year, yet only ~1 in 7 rapes is reported and ~2.8% lead to a charge. A woman may use reasonable force but cannot lawfully carry an effective defence — sprays are prohibited firearms. Alarms rely on bystanders or act too slowly. Most of Europe allows regulated civilian sprays safely. We ask for a licensed scheme: 18+, criminal-record checks, approved products, training and misuse penalties.