Introduce a Permit System for Carrying Knives in Public

Knife-related violence continues to devastate families and communities across the United Kingdom. While many people carry knives legitimately for work, recreation, religion, or organised events, the ease with which bladed weapons can currently be carried in some circumstances creates opportunities for misuse, intimidation, and violence.

The tragic death of 18-year-old Southampton student Henry Nowak in December 2025 shocked our city and the nation. Henry's life was cut short in a fatal knife attack, leaving behind grieving family and friends and highlighting the devastating consequences that can arise when dangerous bladed weapons are carried in public.

We believe it is time for Parliament to consider stronger controls on the carrying of knives in public through the introduction of a permit system.

Our Proposal
We call on the Government to introduce legislation requiring:

A permit for carrying knives in public where a lawful exemption would otherwise apply.
Permits to be linked to specific, legitimate activities or registered events.

Organisers of events requiring knife use to register those events with the relevant authorities and receive a registration number.

Applicants to provide a valid reason for carrying a knife.

A reasonable permit fee to discourage casual or unnecessary knife carrying.
Strong penalties for carrying knives without the appropriate permit.

Why Change Is Needed
Every knife carried unnecessarily in public increases the risk of violence, intimidation, theft, or impulsive actions with life-changing consequences.

Official figures recorded more than 49,000 knife-enabled offences in England and Wales during the year ending December 2025. Although this represented a reduction from the previous year, knife crime remains a significant threat to public safety.

A permit system would:
Make knife carrying more accountable.
Help police identify legitimate knife carriers.
Reduce casual carrying of knives.
Act as a deterrent to those carrying knives without good reason.
Improve public confidence and safety.
A Balanced Approach

This proposal is not intended to prevent legitimate use of knives by tradespeople, farmers, outdoor enthusiasts, cultural groups, or event participants. Instead, it aims to ensure that those carrying knives in public can demonstrate a genuine and lawful reason for doing so.

Just as society accepts licensing and regulation for other potentially dangerous items, we believe a proportionate permit system for carrying knives could help save lives.

Sign This Petition
Every life lost to knife violence is one too many.

By signing this petition, you are calling for stronger safeguards, greater accountability, and practical action to reduce knife-related violence in our communities.

Let's honour victims such as Henry Nowak and work towards a safer future for everyone.