Government Must Act To Prevent Rule Of The Gun

12.00.00am GMT Wed 5th Nov 2003

Commenting on the Gun Crime report by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Gun Crime, Vice Chairman of the group, Simon Hughes MP, said:-

"There is a consensus in this country that we will not accept the rule of the gun. The government is in danger of failing to deal with a desperately serious problem that needs to be tackled now, not later.

"By taking steps such as protecting witnesses, boosting the number of police firearms officers, clamping down on replica weapons and improving customs checks, I believe we can turn the tide. The message needs to go out that those who carry and use guns will be on the receiving end of very tough sentences.

"Illegal firearms are clearly getting into the country in increasing numbers, which raises serious questions about the quality of police intelligence and the effectiveness of checks on parcels arriving in the UK.

"The government must reconsider its opposition for a common border force. It is time we brought together the different police force units, immigration and customs officials who currently make up our border controls.

"This report carries the weight of expert opinion and must be listened to."