As a concerned individual, the rising incidents of sexual violence against women and young girls deeply unsettles me. Given the alarming increase in these attacks, I am compelled to advocate for our right to defend ourselves more effectively. The current UK law permits the carrying of a folding knife up to three inches long, yet inexplicably restricts the possession of pepper spray - a non-lethal means of self-defense.  Why should we not be able to defend ourselves like they can in America.  I want to know that my children are safe while walking  the streets in their own country.  

Attacks happen across a range of settings, often when it's least expected, and women should have the ability to protect themselves without resorting to weapons that can cause fatal harm. Unlike knives, pepper spray is an effective deterrent that temporarily incapacitates an assailant with minimal risk of causing long-term injury. Statistics reveal a stark reality: according to the Office for National Statistics, there are approximately 618,000 incidents of sexual assault annually within England and Wales. This is a figure too high to ignore.

The right to feel safe in our own communities should not be a privilege but a fundamental right for everyone. Allowing the use of pepper spray would offer a crucial line of personal defense. This is not just about statistics or numbers but real lives, families, and futures being impacted. By adopting common-sense measures like allowing pepper spray, we can take a major step in empowering women to protect themselves and deter potential attacks.

I urge policymakers to review and amend the current laws prohibiting the carrying of pepper spray. It is time we prioritise the safety of women and young girls across the UK. Together, let's work towards a change that aligns with current safety challenges faced by women every day. Please support this petition and help ensure safety through sensible self-defense measures. Sign the petition today to urge the UK government to permit the carrying of pepper spray for self-defense purposes. For women and girls only.