The reduction of Great Britain from world power to Monty Python skit has been a while in the making. But they’ve probably hit rock bottom…or can spit and hit rock bottom from where they stand. The end was foreshadowed by London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan’s, tweet on Sunday.

No excuses: there is never a reason to carry a knife. Anyone who does will be caught, and they will feel the full force of the law. https://t.co/XILUvIFLOW

— Mayor of London (gov.uk/coronavirus) (@MayorofLondon) April 8, 2018

What he’s referring to is the number of murders in London exceeding those in New York City because of the strong performance of knife aficionados. That’s right. Shortly after this tweet, the incoming chairman of the Royal College of Physicians in Scotland called for a ban on kitchen knives.

But, in fairness to Mr. Khan and his physician fellow-traveler, they seem to be responding to a trend, not setting it:

Just clocked these in Manchester. It’s a fantastic campaign but I can’t believe we’ve come to this #knifefree pic.twitter.com/B0TPJNdJ7X

— gaby (@gabygoury) April 3, 2018

Aliya has experienced the devastating effects of knife carrying. She's #knifefree after asking herself ‘is it worth it?’ See more stories and get support at https://t.co/kfmyj6auon pic.twitter.com/BA5u0sMk9c

— Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) April 9, 2018

There is no ‘safe place’ to stab someone – any stab can be fatal – and the consequences will be just as severe. #knifefree pic.twitter.com/yAD6HlBGNC

— Office of SYPCC (@SYPCC) April 10, 2018

Remember, it’s never too late to change your life. You are full of potential, and there are always options open to you – even if they aren’t clear in the moment. #knifefree pic.twitter.com/2m3Lh0KDbG

— Office of SYPCC (@SYPCC) April 7, 2018

Surely this is a parody #knifefree pic.twitter.com/km8nHhuMOh

— Tim (@LandanTimo) April 7, 2018

Carrying a knife could have cost Ben his life. Watch Ben’s story and find out how you can live #knifefree at https://t.co/q8SlMU5Z1Q pic.twitter.com/t96OaeKJ5q

— Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) April 9, 2018

Carrying a knife almost cost Sonny his football ambitions. That's why he joined millions of young people living #knifefree. See more stories and get support at https://t.co/ZvhBEJflkX pic.twitter.com/9qOxHKxSjO

— Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) April 9, 2018

And this useful bit of public health advice:

There is no ‘safe place’ to stab someone – any stab can be fatal – and the consequences will be just as severe. #knifefree pic.twitter.com/yAD6HlBGNC

— Office of SYPCC (@SYPCC) April 10, 2018

Britain’s thought leaders think this is a great idea.

What would be truly ‘disgusting’ is to think the answer to rising knife crime is to arm everyone with a knife. Britain’s response will be to make it harder for criminals to use knives to attack people, not to do nothing or make it easier. https://t.co/XkPf2OY2KB

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) April 9, 2018

At one time Great Britain was a serious country. No more.

Scoff all you want, but this sort of thing worked a treat when Britain banned toothbrushes. pic.twitter.com/7VHi6rqnVx

— I didn't vote for him, so think of a new retort (@jtLOL) April 11, 2018