British freepers like myself (the actual victim of attempted violent crime in the UK, in 2008) have discussed this issue and the US myths many times here.
That the Brits don’t fight back and don’t have the right to fight back is a complete myth built up over the last 10 years, one we Brit freepers keep shooting down and which sadly keeps coming back.
As I said, I know from personal experience it isn’t true. My violent self-defence got me nothing but a pat on the back from the police and courts.
The story I referenced did happen, and I read about it in the Telegraph. As to whether or not it’s the norm, I’m willing to take your word for it that it’s not. However, I have read other stories along those lines, and always in the British press/website. So it does happen, or has happened, at least enough for Brits themselves to write about.