On November 13th, 2025, my life was changed forever when my daughter, Lainie Williams, was brutally murdered. She was just 17 years old, and her life was taken by an ex-boyfriend who stabbed her multiple times. In my desperate attempt to save her, I too was stabbed, a memory that haunts me to this very day.

In the wake of such a horrendous event, I believe it is crucial that we arm our children not with weapons, but with knowledge and skills to protect themselves. This is why I am calling for self-defence classes to become a regular part of the physical education curriculum for students aged 11 to 18.

Recent statistics from the UK's Office for National Statistics reveal a concerning rise in knife-related crimes, with over 44,000 offenses recorded last year alone. Furthermore, young people aged 10 to 17 make up a significant portion of both victims and perpetrators. Teaching self-defence can empower our youth, making them more aware of potential threats and equipping them with the necessary skills to react effectively if ever faced with danger.

By integrating self-defence training into PE lessons, we can teach students crucial skills such as awareness, verbal de-escalation, and physical defence techniques. These courses can cover defending against armed attacks, recognising warning signs, and even basic first aid — all essential skills that could save lives.

Education shouldn't stop at academics; it should also prepare our children for real-world situations. If Lainie had been equipped with self-defence skills, perhaps the outcome could have been different. While we can't change the past, we have the power to change the future for countless other children and families.

Please join me in urging education policymakers to take action. Sign the petition to make self-defence classes a standard part of the PE curriculum across schools. Together, we can create a safer future for our children. Every signature counts in showing the importance of every life and the value of proactive safety education.