I will have to disagree on this topic. The Brits allowed their government to remove their firearms. Of late the anti-knife violence crowd has gained momentum. Hard to believe that these folks with such a history of proud warriors has allowed the weakest among them to emasculate their whole population.LOL on the cookie monster.
Brits are not generally idiots, but "only cowards carry" is IDIOTIC.
Criminals carry to facilitate rape and robbery.
Gang members also carry to both ATTACK rival gang members and DEFEND THEMSELVES when they are attacked.
Ordinary citizens may choose to carry to protect themselves from any of the scum mentioned above: criminals or gang members.