DISARM TRUST WILL HELP STOP RULE OF THE GUN

12.01.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 28th Apr 2004

Commenting on the official launch of the Disarm Trust later today, Vice Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Gun Crime and Liberal Democrat London Mayoral candidate, Simon Hughes MP, said:-

"By delivering a united message from across the political spectrum and across communities, the Disarm Trust will help send a positive message to people across London and the country that we will not accept the rule of the gun."

"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 there will be zero tolerance of those who carry and use guns."

ENDS

Notes to editors

Parliamentary launch of the Disarm Trust will be held on Wednesday 28th April 2004 between 3.45pm - 6pm at Strangers Dining Room, Houses of Parliament

Guests will include Home Secretary David Blunkett, Chair of the APPG on Gun Crime Diane Abbot MP, Damon Albarn, Kwame Kwei-Armah, Gabrielle, Jamelia, Leee John, Lemar, So Solid Twins, Beverley Knight and John Amaechi

The Disarm Trust was established in April 2003 as a response the growing levels of violent crime within vulnerable communities around Great Britain. Disarm is a partnership of concerned individuals and organisations from a broad range of expertise and experience. All funds that the Trust generates are used to support victims of violent crime and over the last year they have been successful in securing funding from the Home Office to be distributed to projects working at grass roots to combat gun crime

o The event is open to camera's and audio recording equipment although could members of the press please call Laurence Meehan on 0207 219 4330 or 07790 753 887 to check parliamentary regulations on media equipment.

For all enquiries regarding the event, the APPG on Gun Crime or the Disarm Trust please call Laurence Meehan on 0207 219 4330/07790 753 887 or email meehanl@parliament.uk