[the scotsman]

The British ARE allowed to defend themselves. This myth springs from the Tony Martin case and the fact that if a burglar gets killed/seriously injured, everyone involved gets arrested.

In the latter, I have explained many times here that this is simply police procedure in the UK, and that the homeowner gets released immediately. As to defence, UK householders are allowed to defend themselves even to death (as in Manchester last year).

I myself was the victim of a violent burglary in Sept 2008, one in which I used violence to subdue the burglar. In fact I injured him (he stabbed me in the hand), but all I got was concern from the police for my injury and a pat on the back for my ‘violent’ actions. In fact, the senior PC said I was allowed to use even more force than I did (I bust the burglars nose and belted him on the jaw).

[Aria]

Well I am happy to hear this because there have been so many reports of victims being arrested for defending themselves.

Are you in Scotland? My mother is half English and half Scot which might explain my affinity for England - well that plus having read just about all that Agatha Christie ever wrote.

I believe the older British couple I met had been in the education field so maybe that explains their apparent desire to capitulate.

[Hulka]

“I myself was the victim of a violent burglary in Sept 2008, one in which I used violence to subdue the burglar. In fact I injured him (he stabbed me in the hand), but all I got was concern from the police for my injury and a pat on the back for my ‘violent’ actions. In fact, the senior PC said I was allowed to use even more force than I did (I bust the burglars nose and belted him on the jaw).”

So, you were arrested then?

[Tainan]

Thank you for providing a factual counter-point for one of the much perpetuated myths about the UK.
Although it appears to have flown over the head of some of the shorter in stature.

Another one is the myth of their being no handguns in the UK. Pure poppycock.