Petitions/Make it an offence to carry a catapult in public without lawful defence
StatusClosed
Opened23 Oct 2025
Closes23 Apr 2026
Government responseResponded
Parliamentary debateNot eligible
Milestones 10,000

Change the law so catapult possession in public is an offence. Currently, police must prove intent or use to cause harm. We propose it becomes an absolute offence, like air rifles, without lawful defence. Rising attacks on people, animals, and wildlife show stronger powers are needed.

Catapults are increasingly linked to assaults, criminal damage, and rising wildlife attacks. Making public possession an absolute offence like air rifles with age checks, and a licensing scheme for legitimate uses like angling, would give police stronger powers.

41,238Total signatures
Select your constituency →
10,000
100,000

Government response

There are laws that can already be used against individuals who use catapults as a weapon, but the Government understands the concerns and is actively looking at this issue.

Constituency engagement ranking

Gareth Bacon
1Gareth Bacon MP
Orpington
825
Mr Louie French
2Mr Louie French MP
Old Bexley and Sidcup
675
Sir Jeremy Hunt
3Sir Jeremy Hunt MP
Godalming and Ash
575
Alex Baker
4Alex Baker MP
Aldershot
526
Katie Lam
5Katie Lam MP
Weald of Kent
521
Mr Mark Francois
6Mr Mark Francois MP
Rayleigh and Wickford
514
Jack Rankin
7Jack Rankin MP
Windsor
505
Clive Efford
8Clive Efford MP
Eltham and Chislehurst
489
Ms Abena Oppong-Asare
9Ms Abena Oppong-Asare MP
Erith and Thamesmead
462
Zöe Franklin
10Zöe Franklin MP
Guildford
439