UK defense questions

[dhpd9807]

first post, thank you for having me,
I am contemplating a move to the UK, here in the U.S. I have the choice of knives and or firearms for defensive purposes when outside my home. I have a concealed weapons permit(pistol) and any knife is legal if the blade is 3.5 inches or less, that is 36 millipedes in the U.K.. In the home I am pretty much allowed just about anything, guns, knives, you name it (and alot of them if need be). I understand that the U.K. is far more strict. Question is, can I carry anything for self defense? I understand that I will have to leave any guns here but can you all carry anything at??? Pepper spray, smallish knives anything? I am preparing for a large NO!!! If so can I have any of these things in my home? Also, I am a paramedic and would love to find work with London Ambulance Service, here I carry a Spyderco rescue for cutting related to work, is this common practice in the U.K. or are knives for work purposes regulated as well?

Thank you
Jeff

Also I know that a millipede is a small bird and not a unit of measurment, that was a joke.
Also any tips on British slang would be helpful as well. i.e. what the hell is a "punter"?

Jeff

[Ross]

Jeff, welcome to BritishBlades. As you'll find out, we dont talk about using knives for defense/attack on this site. Having said that, you have worded your post sensibly and maturely.
UK laws surrounding weapons etc are very strict. Guns are a big NO, mandatory jail time if you carry one. Knives are also a no-no unless you have a valid reason for carrying one (yes, a paramedic would be able to carry a rescue knife, I'm a cop and I carry a Wave).
You can possess firearms in your home but they must be licensed and you must have a valid Firearms Certificate (abbreviated to FAC). A quick search will throw up all the conditions you must satisfy to be granted a FAC - and no, defence isnt a valid reason.
Pepper spray is also banned, there's very little one can carry.

I thought a millipede was an insect...........;)

[Ross]

Oh, a 'punter' is along the same lines as a 'customer'.

[narsil]

Basically, if you carry a weapon of any sort, in a public place (including your car), for the purpose of self defence then you are breaking the law.

As I understand it you are, however, allowed to keep weapons (other than ones which are specifically banned eg auto knives), in you own home, for the purpose of self defence. But you are only allowed to use reasonable and proportionate force if you feel that you or someone else is in immediate danger. The key word here is reasonable.

[narsil]

Welcome to BB btw :)

[Ross]

Thats about the limit I care to go to on this forum, if you wish, please PM me with any specific questions.

[Ross]

And please dont take this as a 'snub', I'm quite willing to discuss queries, but by PM only please.