Home secretary dismisses calls for Scottish firearms review
The home secretary has ruled out holding a summit on the issue
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Sunday, 02, Mar 2008 11:04
Home secretary Jacqui Smith has ruled out a review of firearms laws in the wake of increasing demands from Scotland for a summit on the issue.
Scottish justice secretary Kenny MacAskill has been calling for a national firearms conference to be held to debate the issue.
He has previously cited figures stating that gun casualties had risen by 25 per cent in the country in a year, with one out of three victims being children, while pressing the case for such a summit.
Ms Smith has refused to take part in such a meeting saying it would not be "timely" to hold a joint national firearms and a discussion on laws relating to firearms.
In response, Mr MacAskill has accused Ms Smith of not taking the issue seriously, adding that he would continue to highlight the issue.
He said: "I'm disappointed our invitation has been rejected and concerned that the home secretary says a review isn't needed now," he said.
"Communities across Scotland, indeed across the UK, will be alarmed by the apparent complacency. The response is worrying for those of us who sought a partnership approach," he added.