It’s illegal for members of the public to buy handguns in the UK for good reason.
The 1996 Dunblane tragedy forced the UK Government to stamp out such sales. But it took a change of government at Westminster and tireless campaigning by victims’ families before a proper ban could be enforced.
So it’s alarming to learn that online retailers are now sharing adverts for weapons aimed at customers in the UK. One person described being shown adverts through Google for a Glock pistol after searching for HEPA air filters.
One such ad linked to a website selling products that appeared to be handguns or handgun parts and purported to originate from a company in China. Gun control campaigners have warned of an increase in the number of firearm adverts coming through popular online platforms such as ads for hybrid-type weapons, including 3D printed, CO2 powered and real firearms.
Stirling and Strathallan MP Chris Kane, backed by the father of a Dunblane tragedy victim, is right to call on the UK Government to get tough on retailers who are flouting the ban. Dr Mick North, who lost his daughter Sophie in the tragedy, believes action must be taken on the issue and fast. There is simply no reason for ordinary members of the public to own hand guns.
Anyone who is trying to buy one illegally online deserves to feel the full weight of the law. Online or in person, there is no excuse.
Shining example
The Daily Record’s Our Kids…Our Future campaign has pulled no punches in trying to get more support for Scotland’s young people.
We want government to provide proper facilities for teenagers to keep them off the streets. And we have also demanded more action from social media platforms to remove violent content that glorifies attacks involving young people.
But another strand of our campaign is calling for all of us to do more to help the young people around us. A shining example of that is Craig Abbot, a coach at Bowhill Miners Boxing Club in Cardenden, Fife. He was horrified by our story reporting on an explosion of gang warfare in his area.
But rather than sit back and moan, Craig has put out an offer to all the young people involved. He says they can come to his gym and he will provide training, mentoring and a place they can feel at home.
Rightly, he says sport can provide these young people with the self-belief they need to get on the right path. We hope local kids take Craig up on his offer – and we applaud him for doing his bit to give our kids a better future.