Absolutely agree.

In the UK, the same act that bans guns also bans fucking pepper spray... a defensive tool. The penalty for carrying it is the same as carrying a gun.

You might think I'm joking but I'm honestly not. I promise you, it's true. Look it up.

There's even discussions online where people recommend the best alternatives that can be used for self-defence. Now technically speaking if you carry deodorant around with you as a replacement, that's also illegal if the intent is to cause harm, even if for self-defence... but in the real world, ofc, any cop trying to do you for carrying deodorant would be laughed out of court, and you are allowed to defend yourself with whatever means you happen to have, so it's a little loophole, but it's one that shouldn't have to exist.

Naturally, this law has an important exception. The police are allowed to carry and use pepper spray against you. But you can't use it to defend against them.

Obviously the same is true of guns, although it should be noted most UK police are unarmed, only special armed units are allowed to carry guns. But equally important to note is that if you walk out of London Bridge Station (a major commuting hub) you will most likely see armed police carrying massive fuck off rifles right in front of you.

And thus the state maintains its monopoly on violence once again.