Should pepper spray be legalised in the UK?

Pepper spray is considered a 'prohibited weapon' under the UK Firearms Act 1968 which means it is illegal to possess or buy pepper spray. However, there are many countries where it is legalised such as Italy, Spain, America and Russia.

It is believed that the UK is a 'safe country' and so items which are used to cause harm onto others is not allowed. However, in September 2023 there was an approximated 8.5 million offences and between 2023-24, the crime rate was roughly 90 per 1000 people. On one hand, pepper spray can aid victims of crime to get out of the situation and save themselves. On the other hand, the use of pepper spray can be manipulated and gotten into the wrong hands meaning that victims of crime may be rendered even more vulnerable.

In the matter of public safety, pepper spray has proven to be especially useful and has been integrated in numerous legal systems such as the USA where its vitality through the media has been incredibly portrayed. However, it has been known that the USA's crime rate is significantly higher than the UK's which can be argued from two angles: 1- due to the population, 2- due to high outbreaks of inappropriate behaviour. As the governmental responsibility of social welfare, it can be argued that the addition of pepper spray amongst the public can be beneficial. However, passing such a law can take time so action if intended to be taken, should be taken quickly.

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