Why was capital punishment abolished in the UK?

At one point the United Kingdom had no less than 220 crimes that were punishable by death, and included such monstrous behavior as "being in the company of Gypsies for one month", "strong evidence of malice in a child aged 7–14 years of age," "bla... read more

Capital punishment could still be available during war. The European Convention on Human Rights, even after updates, still allows for emergency powers. read more

On the 16th of December 1969, the House of Commons reaffirmed its decision that capital punishment for murder should be permanently abolished. On a free vote, the House voted by 343 to 185, a majority of 158, that the Murder (Abolition of Death Penalty) Act 1965, should not expire. read more

Capital punishment in the United Kingdom was used from ancient times until the second half of the 20th century. The last executions in the United Kingdom were by hanging, and took place in 1964, prior to capital punishment being abolished for murder (in 1965 in Great Britain and in 1973 in Northern Ireland). read more