One of the most valuable and distinctive things about life in Britain is a police force that does not generally carry firearms (Crime: Gun-toting image raises fears for old bobbies, 24 October 2000).

After moving to Germany, it took me years to get used to the gun-toting police here. I found it extremely intimidating at first, and it still bothers me. 

I want to respect a policeman because of the authority that goes with his job, not because of the threat, displayed on his hip, to maim or kill me. Although I'm pleased to say that I have generally found the German police to be every bit as nice as English bobbies, I just wish they didn't have to carry guns.

Also because every now and again somebody tragically and quite unnecessarily gets killed as a result.

Having an unarmed police force is  something that the British can feel rightly proud of and thankful for. It would be a very sad day indeed if that were to change.

Guns belong in the hands of a few highly trained specialists who know exactly how to use them when it is absolutely necessary, and can also judge when it is not.