Basically anything that the Police can prove is being carried as an "offensive weapon" is taboo - e.g. knitting needle, screwdriver etc. It's totally barmy. They're talking now about restricting air-rifle sales to over 17s and banning you from carrying them anywhere in public (where they already have to be in a case) "without good cause" - notice the emphasis is on you to prove good cause, not on the Police to prove you're a nutter.