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E-mail: [Home Office request email] Website: www.homeoffice.gov.uk

[FOI #29413 email]

Ms Sarah Goldsmith

Reference: T4476/10

Dear Ms Goldsmith,

Thank you for your follow-up e-mail of 2 March 2010 seeking clarification of private ownership of weapons for self protection in England.

Firearms law prohibits the possession of “any weapon of whatever description designed or adapted for the discharge of any noxious liquid, gas or other thing”. Items such as Taser and self-defence sprays would fall into this category and would be prohibited. Unlawful possession of prohibited weapons such as these carries a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment.

Further, Chapter 13.72 of our Firearms Law: Guidance to the Police 2002 publication explains that requests for the possession and carriage of firearms for personal protection purposes will be refused on the grounds that firearms are not an acceptable means of protection in Great Britain. A link to the relevant guidance is attached for you to see: http://police.homeoffice.gov.uk/operational-policing/firearms/firearms-licensing-guidance/

Yours sincerely

M Young