I'll bet they were glad to have a firearm at home to defend themselves

[AtW]

As a matter of interest, do you think that there would be more, the same, or fewer murders if we relaxed our gun laws (genuine question, I'm not trying to pick a fight)?

When guns were more legal than they are now prior to 1997, gun crimes were half the current number. Initial relaxation will probably result in a short term surge of incidents, however after a while it should subsist.

[FarmerPalmer]

There are an estimated 3 million illegal handguns in the UK.

Far more than there were before all the legal ones were banned.

and only about 40,000 legally held ones (and that excludes what the military has in stock)

[FarmerPalmer]

I think there will be more involving guns which will bring the situation to the headlines with tabloids and government bashers having a field day, forgetting to mention whether or not the actual total of murders go up or not.

I think the gun may become the weapon of choice but don't think the rate will go up significantly.

Armed robberies however is a different matter altogether. IMO that will go thru the roof.

Statistics prove otherwise. Probably because an armed public can defend itself. It just means more criminals get shot.

[FarmerPalmer]

When guns were more legal than they are now prior to 1997, gun crimes were half the current number. Initial relaxation will probably result in a short term surge of incidents, however after a while it should subsist.

I'm sure the government will use it as another excuse to tighten the laws on legally held firearms, but I hope not.

[Peoplesoft bloke]

When guns were more legal than they are now prior to 1997, gun crimes were half the current number. Initial relaxation will probably result in a short term surge of incidents, however after a while it should subsist.

Thanks. My question was about the murder rate, not gun crime or past history, but no matter.

[minestrone]

When guns were more legal than they are now prior to 1997, gun crimes were half the current number. Initial relaxation will probably result in a short term surge of incidents, however after a while it should subsist.

How can something that is legal or illegal be more legal or less legal?

I have said I am happy for you to come to this country but the minute you start lecturing us on our laws then that is the point you should decide if you want to stay here or if you want to go back to you own lawless country,

[AtW]

Thanks. My question was about the murder rate, not gun crime or past history, but no matter.

Those who don't want to understand past history have no future.

Unfortunately there is no will in current British society to endorse gun ownership as it is present in a number of other counties such as France, Germany, Switzerland or even USA. If I did not know the history I would have never guessed this country had one of the biggest Empires in the history of this planet.

[AtW]

How can something that is legal or illegal be more legal or less legal?

By words "more legal" I meant that choice of guns was not as ridiculous as it is now - for all intents and purposes firearms are banned in this country. Criminals don't care though (gun crime increased) or they just use knifes (much worse wound - I'd rather get shot than stabbed).

I have said I am happy for you to come to this country but the minute you start lecturing us on our laws then that is the point you should decide if you want to stay here or if you want to go back to you own lawless country,

As a British citizen I am entitled to stay in this country. More importantly I am entitled to have an opinion that is not shared by others - you also have the same right.

[minestrone]

Those who don't want to understand past history have no future.

Unfortunately there is no will in current British society to endorse gun ownership as it is present in a number of other counties such as France, Germany, Switzerland or even USA. If I did not know the history I would have never guessed this country had one of the biggest Empires in the history of this planet.

Again, I am not nationalist but it is rude to come here as a guest and disrespect the host.

[AtW]

Again, I am not nationalist but it is rude to come here as a guest and disrespect the host.

First of all, I am not a guest anymore here - it is my home.

Secondly you are not my host - there are 60 mln people in this country and you can't reasonable expect newcomers to never hold an opinion that is against views of any of those people, that's just not possible as views of people in this country contradict each other.

Thirdly, there are people who were born in this country and agree with me that gun ownership laws put by Nu Liebor is total tulip: pre-1997 system may have been acceptable, that's just over 10 years ago.

If you are chicken tulip and afraid mean people with legal guns will come and kill you, then it's fine - you are entitled to your views. However if you try to shut people up expressing views you don't like then I've got 2 words for you: **** ***. Seriously