This thread really should be a discussion in Around the Campfire.

Good article on the topic at:
London Mayor: “No Excuses: There Is Never A Reason To Carry A Knife.” – JONATHAN TURLEY


No further comments, it’s a good read.

> This thread really should be a discussion in Around the Campfire.

No it shouldn't be on any forum. Like last months non-existent MI5 'we are 4 meals from anarchy' report; it's referring to a non-existent law.
As the Turley article is pretending wanting to enforce the current laws is the path to tyranny. It's at best at unknowingly distorting the facts. Though that is no excuse for a news organisation.
Bingley and I can spend the few minutes it took to find the truth.
Why not do it yourself folks?
qjs

Are you saying that because it’s just the mayor of a large British city expressing his opinion and not already a law, we shouldn’t bother discussing it? The opinions of mayors often find their way into legislation and once passed, then it’s an even bigger fight to get rid of it. Knife laws/policies already on the books or only being proposed by the mayor of London should be discussed.

No I'm saying that there is no such law being introduced. Nor could be. Unlike in the US; local authorities cannot restrict items like guns or knives. Kahn is not introducing OR proposing any new laws. It was not true from the start.
If people want to discuss knife laws; go ahead. I think the existing ones are too restrictive personally. But this isn't discussing actual laws. It's inventing them.
Why give credence to the usual 'we are victims of an imminent tyranny' myth.
It's a lie.
qjs

I don't see how this is not developing into a political thread, whereas chaos has cautioned us to keep it informational.

So can we drop the invented proposal about an imaginary new law and stick to things that actually exist?
And stop pretending that because someone with no authority to make it happen is in favour of restrictions, we are all heading for confiscation?
Though that probably leave us in heated agreement.
Can't remember any people on this site in favour of knife laws....

qjs

Well said! I find it mildly amusing that people who live far from the UK love to get worked up over badly reported or in some cases totally fake stories from the UK (supposed knife laws, 4 meals from anarchy, etc). Meanwhile they ignore comments from people like quick joey small (who actually live there).

A bit of personal on the ground reporting: Last year we spent a couple of weeks as tourists in the UK. There were bag checks at most tourist attractions. At one security check the guard looked in my backpack and then asked if I had any knives or sharp instruments on me. I had a moment of panic, as I had a very tiny knife (suitable mainly for cleaning fingernails) in my pocket. I had meant to leave at the hotel, but had forgetfully left in my pocket. Nervously I showed it to the guard. He laughed and said something to the effect of "....that's not really much of a knife..." and waved me through. Note that in the US I've seen similar blades confiscated by security.