Letter: 'Gun culture' is everyone's problem
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: The events at Moss Side ('Gun culture rules murder estate', 5 January) may prompt the question: Do our gun laws need to be changed? The EC directive on the control of the acquisition and disposal of firearms only came into force on 1 January. It is intended to compensate for the removal of systematic border checks in preventing large flows of weapons around the Community. The directive provides for a European licence, partially harmonised criteria for licensing and universal minimum standards for firearms control.
There is, however, a risk that covert trade in arms will increase. The number of crimes involving firearms has steadily increased in this country in the past few years. The latest year for which figures are available, 1991, saw 10,373 such offences in England and Wales. But there is no simple or quick solution to this. Further alteration in the licensing laws is not the answer. The problem for the community is one of enforcement.
'Gun culture' has developed hand in hand with a widespread attitude that the police are solely responsible for dealing with crime. Such crime is not just a matter for the police. It is a matter for everyone. It is a social phenomenon and requires a 'social' or communal approach. When 14-year-olds can swap guns as if they were football cards, we have a social problem.
A national strategy for crime prevention, based on a long-term partnership within communities, involving the police, local authorities, schools and parents, is the only way in which the insidious tide of lawlessness can be turned and 'gun culture' eradicated. It lies with the Home Office to initiate discussion on the framework of co-operation that is required to make such a strategy effective.
Yours faithfully,
ROBERT MACLENNAN
MP for Caithness and
Sutherland (Lib Dem)
House of Commons
London, SW1
5 January
The writer is the Liberal Democrat spokesman on home affairs.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments