Defending my home against intruders

[Devonian]

The following quote is from Smudges BBC link:

The most recent case was that of Andy and Tracey Ferrie. They were in bed when two burglars entered their home. Mr Ferrie fired his (legally-held) shotgun at the men. The couple were arrested but then released without charge.

The judge at the intruders' trial said: "If you burgle a house in the country where the householder owns a legally held shotgun, that is the chance you take. You cannot come to court and ask for a lighter sentence because of it."


So the theory is if you can shoot someone with a legally held shotgun, you can surely also strike them with a legally held machete or other blade if you fear for your own safety inside your own home.....?