MPs demand tough action on guns

A delegation of MPs from London's most violent boroughs is to demand immediate and effective government action to stem the capital's spiralling gun crime.

Following a late-night Commons meeting last night called by Hackney MP Diane Abbott, she and the eight other MPs from Hackney, Brent and Lambeth plan to go to the Home Office to tackle what she described as a "lawless, valueless gun culture".

The MPs want increased sentences for anyone caught with a gun - possibly with a set minimum period. They want a ban on imitation firearms and more police on the streets.

Ms Abbott told the Commons: "I know what fear this whole issue of gun crime is genuinely breathing into the hearts of Londoners. They're frightened of waking up to find a corpse outside their house, frightened of being caught up in a gunfight. What kind of community are we? What kind of people are we becoming when young men hold their lives so cheap and risk death?"

Simon Hughes, Lib-Dem MP for North Southwark and Bermondsey, who also attended the meeting, said: "We will be meeting with Home Office ministers to see what further action can be taken as soon as possible. The Met set up Operation Trident but it has not dealt with all the issues. We need police, immigration, politicians and Customs and Excise to unite in stopping this situation where young people are using firearms as a fashion accessory."

He said he was particularly keen on the idea of a minimum sentences. But he stressed the need to reduce the flood of weapons from overseas.

Home Office Minister Bob Ainsworth said the Government was "determined to counter" firearms in the capital.