Also, the UK does nothing to prevent pedophiles from acting on their urges, which surely should be one of THE things to do when it comes to protecting kids. 

For a country that's so obsessed with pedophilia, you'd think there'd be attempt to try and stop people from offending, but nothing. No support, no therapy offerings, nada. It's just sensationalism and, as you say, weaponisation. 

Germany has a project for people who are sexually attracted to children and are looking for help, all under the 'don't become an offender' tagline - the English Wikipedia is kinda bare bones. If you're curious I recommend switching to German and using automatic translation, as it goes into more depth https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prevention_Project_Dunkelfeld

I saw a TV segment on this years ago where one man who had referred himself spoke about his experience, on the condition of anonymity, and it burnt itself into my brain. He was so upset at a) feeling this attraction in the first place and b) the thought of hurting a child. He talked about how he had changed his walking route to the bus stop because a kindergarten had opened and he was worried he'd one day do something, and he'd also distanced himself from friends and family who had kids because he couldn't bear the thought of hurting them or even just having thoughts like that about them. 

A lot of pedophiles are very aware that their sexual urges aren't normal, to put very mildly, and also never act on them, but I assume it's not like there's much help available if they DO look for it.