I agree with you wholeheartedly. I think one of the biggest problems with the UK is that is has no single constitution... when you study for the 'Life in the UK' test the study material clearly state that the UK's constitution is the various institutions of Government. I think this always leads to corruption because there is no definitive document that clearly spells out what rights a citizen has. Like the right to bear arms or not, the US constitution was a masterstroke of genius by the American forefounders because it clearly spells out the minimum rights an American citizen has from the state. Seen through the lens of limiting the power of the state, is it any wonder why the right to bear arms is the second amendment right after the right to free speech? I'm sure they knew you have no rights if you can't defend them.

As for the UK, I have no idea how it can reform, or even if it can, its institutionalised propensity for corruption. The only way freedom and rights are wrestled out of the hands of the state is through willingness to die for it. Catalan is a great recent example, collectively there is a want for succession from the Spanish crown, but an unwillingness to die for it... and that is precisely why I don't think they will ever get it.

Similarly, I don't see the British public at large rising up... they are too placated and do not the means to do so. It might seem shocking but in the UK there is no right to freedom of speech.