The Government remains committed to protecting the public from the threats posed by dangerous substances that could be misused to cause serious harm. As part of this responsibility, the Government keeps the framework that governs explosives precursors and poisons under regular review to ensure that it remains effective, proportionate and responsive to any evolving risks.
Today I announce the Government's intention to launch a six-week public consultation regarding proposed amendments to the Poisons Act 1972. This process will seek views from the public on several changes that are intended to strengthen public safety and national security and is expected to launch during the Conference Recess.
The proposals support the Government’s commitment to respond decisively to the findings of the Southport Inquiry, particularly by strengthening controls where substances present a clear risk. They also form part of a broader approach to reducing access to means of harm in a proportionate way.
Overview
The consultation follows ongoing policy development and consideration of the current legislative framework in light of evolving threats, lessons learnt from recent incidents, evidence provided to public inquiries, and wider concerns regarding the accessibility of certain hazardous substances.
The consultation will invite views on a number of proposals, including:
the introduction of controls on materials containing the highly toxic plant-derived substances ricin and abrin, in particular castor beans and rosary peas;the reclassification of sodium nitrite from a reportable poison to a regulated poison above a specified concentration threshold;the regulation of explosives precursors sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate above specified concentration thresholds;amendments to specified concentration thresholds of already regulated explosives precursors sodium chlorate, sodium perchlorate, potassium chlorate and potassium perchlorate; anda range of technical and operational improvements to the underpinning framework, including updates to licensing arrangements, record-keeping requirements and existing concentration thresholds.
The Government recognises that many of these substances have legitimate commercial, scientific, agricultural, educational and recreational uses. The purpose of the consultation is therefore to assess the potential impact, proportionality and deliverability of any proposed changes before decisions are taken. No final decisions have been made at this stage. Consultation responses will help inform the Government's consideration of whether legislative changes should be brought forward.
The consultation proposes a range of options, from maintaining the current arrangements through to a broader package of reforms. Responses will help determine the most effective and proportionate approach to managing the risks presented by these substances while supporting legitimate users and minimising unnecessary burdens on business. The consultation will be supported by targeted stakeholder engagement, to ensure that a balanced and well evidenced view is obtained.
Consultation
The consultation will be available on GOV.UK and accessible for six weeks. It is intended to:
gather further evidence on the impacts of the proposed measures across affected sectors, including businesses, suppliers, online marketplaces and individual users;improve understanding of the nature and scale of legitimate uses;test the proportionality and seek insight into the practical implications of any proposed controls or thresholds; andinform final ministerial decisions ahead of any legislative changes.
Following the consultation period, the Government will carefully consider responses and publish a summary of the findings. Subject to the outcome of the consultation and subsequent ministerial decisions, any necessary legislative changes will be delivered through secondary legislation.
Explosives precursors and poisons legislation is reserved in Scotland and Wales, and officials will continue to engage with the Devolved Governments throughout the consultation process. Northern Ireland authorities will be engaged as appropriate, recognising the distinct legislative context.
Protecting the public is the first duty of Government. This consultation represents an important opportunity to ensure that the legislative framework governing dangerous substances remains effective, proportionate and responsive to current risks, while continuing to support legitimate use.
Upon publication, a copy of the consultation will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.
https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wms/?id=2026-09-15.hcws346.0
seen at 09:51, 16 September in Written Ministerial Statements.