Blunkett to outlaw the carrying of replica guns in public
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Your support makes all the difference.A ban on carrying replica guns in public and a law to prevent under 18-year-olds owning air pistols, are to be introduced as part of a crackdown on firearms.
News of the tightening of Britain's gun laws came as David Blunkett confirmed plans for a five-year minimum sentence for illegal possession and use of a firearm.
The Home Secretary also decided to act against imitation firearms – used by robbers in an estimated six out of ten hold-ups, and by young men as "fashion accessories" and a means of intimidation. Airguns have also been involved in a series of fatal shootings and injuries.
A new criminal offence of carrying a replica or blank-firing gun in public without a reasonable excuse is to be created, punishable by a fine or, in extreme cases, by a jail term. The exact number of replica guns in circulation is unknown but it is thought to be in excess of 500,000. The new law will stop short of an outright ban on imitation firearms and will allow enthusiasts to keep collections.
It is already a crime to threaten someone with a replica, or to possess one with intent to cause fear of unlawful violence, both carrying maximum jail terms of 10 years.
The minimum age for owning an airgun will be raised from 14 to 18. Under the proposals for a five-year minimum jail term for firearm possession or distribution, revealed by The Independent a month ago, judges will be given discretion to hand out smaller sentences.
In 2001, the average sentence of the 757 people convicted for possession or distribution of firearms was 18 months, although were given a community sentence. In London alone, police are seizing more than 140 guns a month.
Proposals for the tougher approach to gun possession follow a high-profile campaign by the Metropolitan Police and on the back of growing evidence that gun crime is taking a grip in Britain. It was highlighted by the double murder of two teenagers who were killed in a hail of bullets at a New Year party in Birmingham.
Mr Blunkett's proposals were greeted with praise by the police but described as a "knee-jerk" reaction by the Tories, the shooting industry, and a civil liberty group.
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