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Crossbows: Public Buildings

Asked by Dr Zubir AhmedLabourHome OfficeTabled Answered 1 July 2026UIN 12379

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of existing legislation to prevent the carrying of crossbows in public buildings, including hospitals and educational institutions.

Answered by Sarah Jones

It is an offence in England and Wales, under section 1 of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953, for any person to have with them in a public place any article made, or adapted, for causing an injury to a person without lawful authority or reasonable excuse. The maximum penalty, on conviction or indictment, is four years in prison, a fine or both.

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