A survey conducted by the Express has revealed that an overwhelming majority of readers support the return of the death penalty in the UK following the sentencing of Southport mass murderer Axel Rudakubana.
A huge 94% were in favour, while only 5% opposed the idea and 1% remained undecided.
The results show just how the strong emotional response to Rudakubana’s heinous crimes have reignited the debate over capital punishment in the UK.
Rudakubana, 18, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 52 years for the brutal murders of three young girls and multiple attempted murders during a dance class.
His sentencing has prompted widespread discussion on whether the death penalty should be reinstated for the most egregious crimes.
Readers voicing their support for the death penalty cited a lack of deterrence and the escalating severity of violent crimes as reasons to bring back capital punishment.
One reader expressed frustration at the current system.
They said: “There has been no deterrent for many years, and fatal violence has gotten worse by the day. The death penalty should be brought back, but it must be incumbent on the CPS to prove beyond any doubt that the perpetrator did the deed, intended to do so, and committed the crime without remorse or clemency.”
Another echoed these sentiments, pointing to the financial and societal cost of housing violent offenders.
They said: “Those who take life with deliberate intent should face the highest consequences. Per inmate per year costs almost £60,000, the jails are full, and society is going down the pan. We need a sensible, adult debate.”
Several readers argued that the absence of the death penalty has emboldened violent criminals.
One said: “Every day, you put the news on, and there has been some murder committed—not just one, but a few. Every single day. The law as it is now is no deterrent or fit for purpose.”
Others stressed the need for absolute certainty in capital cases but believed the death penalty should remain an option for the most severe crimes.
Another said: “Beyond reasonable doubt is insufficient burden of proof upon which to apply the death penalty. However, where the culpability of the defendant is beyond any doubt whatsoever, it is perfectly acceptable.”
While a small minority of readers opposed the death penalty, their arguments focused on moral, practical, and psychological implications.
One reader said: “Isolated cases like this understandably evoke strong reactions, but he was underage. While there must be a mental health or warped view involved, it would be a backwards step if reintroduced for the wrong reasons.”
Another highlighted the cycle of pain that capital punishment creates. They said:”The death penalty solves no problem except as an act of vengeance. It would never take away the pain of loss, and it creates pain elsewhere, the family of the condemned.”
The debate around the death penalty has also led to calls for a referendum.
One reader said: “Capital punishment should be available for all murders, attempted murder, and the rape of minors. Let the people decide, referendum, please.”
The Southport killings have reignited longstanding questions about how the UK deals with violent offenders. Although the death penalty for murder was abolished in 1965, the survey results show a significant public appetite for its reinstatement in extreme cases.
