The uk is a prime example of government control gone to far. You need a licence to watch tv, it is one of the most (if not the most) cctv'd country in the world. You can not carry ANYTHING in prepared self defence, you have to be ridiculously careful of what you say should you defend yourself if someone breaks into your home.
Americans remember, as soon as you give away any right, chances are you will never get it back.
Banning hand guns in the uk has done nothing to change the death rate from hand guns, it simply meant the thousands of responsible, law abiding citizens had to hand them over whilst the criminals kept hold of theirs and continue to kill with them.
What's needed is an intelligent, well thought out method for allowing people to buy, own and carry guns. NOT a knee jerk highly emotive reaction to a terrible tragedy.