Government Must Act To Prevent Rule Of The Gun - Hughes

10.03.04am 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."

ENDS

Notes to editors

The launch of the report will be held in the Jubilee Room in the Houses of Parliament at 3pm on 5 November 2003.

For further information please contact Laurence Meehan at Saferworld on 0207 324 4646- 07790 753 887 or e-mail lmeehan@saferworld.org.uk

Richard Stokoe

Senior Liberal Democrat Press Officer for Simon Hughes MP Mayoral Campaign tel. 020 7227 1236 mobile 0772 08 38 351 fax 020 7227 1313 pager 07659 114613