Historically, people in England had a common-law right to bear arms. Over time, laws were passed restricting this right, most recently as a result of shootings similar to the one we have sadly just witnessed. The difference between here and the US is that there was massive public support for these controls. The history here shows that it is possible for a society to disarm itself, if there is a willingness to do so. Sadly, even in the aftermath of tragedies such as this one, US society doesn't seem to be willing to do this.

Of course, there are still guns in circulation here and they are mostly in the hands of criminals. However these seem to be mainly drug dealers and street gangs, who mostly use them against each other. The courts here come down very heavily on armed robbery, so this is unusual and most ordinary criminals don't carry guns. My house may get burgled or I may get mugged in the street, but I don't expect that either of them will be carrying a gun and don't feel a need to arm myself against them.

I, and I think most Brits, look at the American fetish with firearms with bewilderment. I can understand its historical roots, but I cannot see how it has a place in a modern civilized society.