Gun Deaths in the UK: A Rare Occurrence
The United Kingdom is known for its strict gun laws and low rates of gun violence. Compared to other developed countries, the UK has a relatively low number of gun-related deaths. In this article, we will delve into the statistics and provide an overview of gun deaths in the UK.
How Many Gun Deaths in the UK?
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there were 137 firearms-related deaths in England and Wales in 2020. This number has been steadily decreasing over the years, with a peak of 221 in 2007.
Gun Deaths by Cause
Here is a breakdown of the causes of gun deaths in the UK:
- Suicide: 76% of firearms-related deaths in 2020 were due to suicide.
- Homicide: 14% of firearms-related deaths were due to homicide.
- Accidental: 5% of firearms-related deaths were due to accidental shootings.
- Undetermined: 5% of firearms-related deaths were due to undetermined causes.
Gun Deaths by Age Group
Here is a breakdown of gun deaths by age group in the UK:
- Under 18: 6% of firearms-related deaths in 2020 were among those under the age of 18.
- 18-24: 13% of firearms-related deaths were among those aged 18-24.
- 25-34: 21% of firearms-related deaths were among those aged 25-34.
- 35-44: 23% of firearms-related deaths were among those aged 35-44.
- 45-54: 18% of firearms-related deaths were among those aged 45-54.
- 55-64: 10% of firearms-related deaths were among those aged 55-64.
- 65 and over: 9% of firearms-related deaths were among those aged 65 and over.
Gun Deaths by Region
Here is a breakdown of gun deaths by region in the UK:
| Region | Number of Gun Deaths |
|---|---|
| North East | 14 |
| North West | 23 |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | 15 |
| East Midlands | 10 |
| West Midlands | 15 |
| East of England | 12 |
| London | 24 |
| South East | 11 |
| South West | 8 |
Comparison to Other Countries
The UK’s gun death rate is significantly lower than that of many other developed countries. Here is a comparison of gun death rates per million population:
| Country | Gun Death Rate per Million Population |
|---|---|
| UK | 0.44 |
| USA | 30.6 |
| Canada | 5.3 |
| Australia | 1.3 |
| Germany | 0.8 |
| France | 0.5 |
Conclusion
Gun deaths in the UK are a rare occurrence, with a total of 137 firearms-related deaths in 2020. The majority of these deaths were due to suicide, followed by homicide and accidental shootings. The UK’s strict gun laws and low rates of gun ownership contribute to its low gun death rate. In comparison to other developed countries, the UK’s gun death rate is significantly lower.
