UK has 240v for everything which may explain the insulation. Has been the standard about as long as I can remember - so back to the 70s. Someone put a lot of t

UK has 240v for everything which may explain the insulation. Has been the standard about as long as I can remember - so back to the 70s. Someone put a lot of thought into the design. Ground at top to prevent accidents like you show. Ground pin is longer. Insulation covers enough of the pins that live and neutral disconnect before conductor is exposed from socket. Both will be fully disconnected before earth disconnects.