This advocacy page relates only to the Reasonable Response proposal.
It should not be read as representing the views of any organisation whose logo appears elsewhere on the website in connection with The Empty Minute or other awareness activity, unless that organisation has expressly agreed to support this proposal.
No supporter logo shown elsewhere should be understood as endorsing legal reform, lobbying activity, proposed legislation, fundraising, paid promotion, or wider Safer Spaces For All CIC activity unless this is expressly stated.
The Reasonable Response Proposal is not yet a law.
It is a proposal – based on extensive research – that highlights the need for clearer public reassurance when people act in good faith during emergencies.
We are not giving legal advice.
We are asking people to raise their voice and support a national discussion.
Across the UK, people regularly tell us the same thing:
“I want to help… but what if something goes wrong?”
This hesitation is not caused by a lack of compassion.
It comes from fear of blame, legal uncertainty and years of public messaging that prioritised risk avoidance above human instinct.
Our research shows three consistent themes:
Even when acting kindly and sensibly, many feel they might be held responsible.
Legal frameworks are scattered, complex and not publicly known.
Moments matter. Even a few seconds of uncertainty can change the outcome of an incident.
The Reasonable Response Proposal begins a national conversation about bringing clarity, reassurance and confidence back to the public.
Through interviews, academic reviews and community discussions, several truths became clear:
People want to help; very few walk away from someone in distress.
Confusion about legal consequences is widespread, even among professionals.
Current protections exist, but the public does not know how or when they apply.
Fear of being sued or blamed creates real reluctance to act.
Emergency responders benefit when early actions are calm and sensible.
Communities feel safer when they trust they can step forward without repercussion.
The reasonable person already acts with care – the challenge is ensuring the law feels as accessible and understandable as their intentions.
The proposal encourages simple national clarity:
If a person acts reasonably, in good faith, and with the intention of helping someone, they should feel confident they are doing the right thing.
The purpose is not to rewrite the law.
It is to make the public understanding clear, consistent and accessible.
This is about reassurance, not regulation.
To remain responsible and accurate, the Reasonable Response campaign:
does not provide legal advice
does not interpret existing laws
does not guarantee outcomes
does not tell people how to act
does not advocate for risky behaviour
does not criticise the courts or legal system
Its purpose is to raise awareness, start discussion and encourage a clearer national approach.
Emergencies do not happen in courts or committee rooms.
They happen:
in kitchens
on pavements
on buses
in schools
in workplaces
in public parks
When something goes wrong, the first person there is rarely a professional – it is a friend, a colleague, a family member or a stranger.
Clarity protects helpers.
Confidence protects communities.
And one day, someone you love may need someone with that confidence.
Advocacy does not require legal knowledge or political experience.
It begins with simple, safe actions:
Talk about the Reasonable Response question:
“If I try to help in good faith, will the law support me?”
Online or offline — conversations spread the message.
Confidence grows through shared understanding.
Not to demand legislation — but to highlight the importance of public clarity.
Your contribution helps us develop clearer explainers, community materials and public awareness campaigns.
Small actions amplify the message.
Your contribution will helps us:
create accessible, non-technical public explainers
run community discussions and awareness sessions
develop social media and mainstream media content
engage with practitioners, emergency responders and policymakers
support national awareness without legal risk or ambiguity
strengthen the link between the Empty Minute, Reasonable Response and Project Resilience
This is long-term cultural work.
Your support builds the clarity the UK needs.
The Reasonable Response Proposal begins with awareness, grows through conversation and eventually shapes national understanding.
You can help move this conversation forward.
