Update on self-defense in Britain

A rather eye-opening letter to National Review Online in response to the article to which we linked a few days ago.

The letter (which you should read for yourself) rather dramatically illustrates the depth of British government hostility towards citizen self-defense -- a hostility that will shock most Americans, regardless of politics. For even in fervently anti-gun circles, no one would openly call for women not to fight back against an assailant, let alone demand that they be prosecuted if they do. Yet what would be looked upon as lunacy here, is now official policy there. Sic transit gloria Britanniae.

Thanks to Instapundit for the pointer.

INCIDENTALLY, it should be mentioned that UK government policy is by no means in accord with popular opinion, which, as this recent Observer poll revealed, is much closer to what one might expect in the USA. A few findings: 67% supported reintroduction of the death penalty; 68% found it acceptable to use deadly force to protect property; 22% would be "tempted to carry a gun for protection" if permitted; 80% supported a "three strikes" program; 82% believed those under 18 charged with serious crimes should be prosecuted as adults. Londoners' responses tended to diverge sharply from other Britons': "only 7 per cent of Londoners [responded that they were] tempted to carry a gun, compared to 55 per cent of those living in Yorkshire/Humberside, and 45 per cent of those living in the West Midlands." Across the board, however, the respondents displayed a lack of concern about individual privacy and civil liberties that clearly set them apart from their American brethren.

Posted by David on May 16, 2003 2:46 PM