Government needs to show joined up thinking on gun crime

2.44.29pm GMT Thu 10th Jan 2008

Commenting on Jacqui Smith's announcement of plans to ban deactivated guns, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Huhne said:

"While there are no quick fixes for gun crime, this is a welcome step, especially given the ease with which many older guns can be reactivated.

"However, the Government needs to be much more joined-up in tackling gun smuggling: the evidence is that HM Revenue and Customs, as a treasury department, is much more interested in raising revenue from tobacco and alcohol smuggling, than it is in stopping people bringing in guns.

"If ministers are serious about stopping the flow of guns into Britain they should create an integrated border force with police powers."

Liberal Democrat research has revealed that there are nine times as many staff working on stopping cigarette smuggling as on gun smuggling.