Gun-related crime in the UK is on the increase and gangs are a big problem for young people. Start a debate about why some people feel the need to carry guns and what can be done...
Gun-related crime in the UK is on the increase and gangs are a big problem for young people. Start a debate about why some people feel the need to carry guns and what can be done...The shocking deaths by gunfire of two Birmingham teenagers outside a New Years party have focused attention on Britains gun culture. There are fears that gangs in cities such as London, Manchester and Birmingham are out of control and beyond the law. Firearms offences have more than doubled since 1997, rising by more than a third in the past year. Government figures released last week show gun crime rose by 35 per cent in the year to April 2002. Guns were used in 103 homicides in 2001/02.The Home Office locates the handgun problem mainly with young people. David Blunkett says that young people carry weapons for self-protection or to gain respect or revenge, often related to drugs.Sentences are too lenient, according to the Government and the police. Last year, 757 people were convicted for possessing or distributing banned weapons. Just 131 were given an immediate prison sentence. The average custodial sentence was about 18 months. That will change if tougher new sentences are introduced. Paul Cavadino of crime reduction charity Nacro argues that jail sentences alone wont break the glamorised gun culture.He advocates using methods such as employing reformed ex-gang members as street workers for young people.Some are blaming the rap culture. Outspoken culture minister Kim Howells blasted the south London garage outfit, So Solid Crew, calling them idiots who glorify gun culture.Rap music fans described the ministers outburst as deeply racist. They believe music reflects the experience of young people rather than creating it.Hackney MP Diane Abbott asked whether it it is really likely that the answer to ending gun criminality is as simple as getting people to sing different songs. Talk to young people about the issue. Be sensitive, and appreciate the sense of loss many feel about recent deaths.
