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 The government responded by introducing a ban on the carrying of all handguns, and Britain gradually relaxed at the introduction of such a seemingly tough new law.

As is the nature of things, however, it has taken yet another tragic loss of life to bring the continuing problem of gun crime to our attention. Although dozens of innocent young people have been murdered or injured by gunfire on Britain’s streets during recent years, few have caused as much public outrage as the killings of two teenagedgirls in Birmingham on New Year’s Eve. The government’s speedy response in initiating more anti-gun laws reflects the reform that once again has come too late. Many people also remain sceptical as to the effectiveness of the new laws, as the carrying of guns continues to rise among young, inner-city gangs.

David Blunkett’s introduction of a five-year minimum jail sentence for people caught carrying guns may deter some youth gangs from risking a hefty punishment in the short term, but for many groups, the use of guns has become an integral part of their social framework. It therefore seems unlikely that simply changing the law will prevent the use of guns in inner-city areas, where young people are embittered and made desperate by poverty and inequality.

Conflicts stem from “turf wars” and drug dealing, and the organised crime that goes hand in hand with the drugs industry inevitably involves the use of dangerous weapons. The proliferation of different gangs within relatively small areas also encourages intense rivalry between members, whereby transgressions of territory, or disrespectful behaviour are often avenged by shootings.  

It may sound absurd, but Birmingham is increasingly being compared to the worst parts of Los Angeles, while some areas of London are said to be more dangerous than Soweto. And while this street warfare has caused many deaths, there have been few convictions, as English gangs practice their own Mafia inspired code of silence.

Organised crime is on the increase not only in Britain, but worldwide, particularly in Europe, and many argue that much of the so-called ‘gun culture’ is inspired by American gangsta-rap. Artists such as Snoop Dogg, NWA and the late Notorious B.I.G are frequently condemned for espousing the values of violence, intolerance and the idealisation of guns in their music, with some US rap stars gaining greater prestige for their personal gun convictions. Closer to home, Ashley Wallace, aka Asher D of So Solid Crew, was jailed for 18 months last year for the possession of a revolver and live ammunition.

Several MPs have encouraged more censorship of violent films, music and video games, but this would not tackle the root of the problem. Rap culture appeals to poor, inner-city kids because it is entrenched in alienation from and anger at mainstream society, and such authoritarian censorship would surely only increase their frustration.

David Blunkett’s insistence that the ban on guns will cover anything that looks like a firearm, including replica weapons and air guns, reflects the way guns have become a status symbol amongst gang members. Up until now, children as young as 14 were legally allowed to own an air gun without adult supervision, which has blighted many communities with anti-social behaviour amongst young people.

The UK-wide ban on handguns may prove effective in the short term, but if the government really wants to stamp out the problem of youth dissatisfaction and gang violence, the root causes of poverty, inequality and drug dealing must be addressed.

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