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Time for a Public Debate on Firearms Controls

Posted by Grahame Morris, MP for Easington, at 15:51, Wed 4 January 2012:

The terrible events which culminated in the deaths of four people in Horden in the heart of my constituency have prompted me to write this article. While the full details of the events leading up to this tragedy are still unfolding there are more general concerns relating to the storage of firearms in a domestic situation and whether firearm licensing procedures are robust enough to address concerns surrounding mental health.

First of all I would like to express my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of those who have lost their lives. The thoughts and feelings of the whole community are with those affected by this terrible tragedy. Horden is a stable, tightly knit former mining community with its own distinct identity. The events of 1st January have shocked and devastated local residents. I went to school only a mile or so away and I know many people from Horden on a personal and long standing basis.

I want to give credit to Durham Constabulary who acted quickly to reassure local people that there is no continued threat to the safety of the community and I would like to thank all the emergency services, the Police, Paramedics and the Armed Response Team for their rapid and professional response to the shootings in Horden. The investigation is being handled in a professional and sensitive manner and I hope the Police are given the time to establish exactly what happened.

I welcome the Chief Constable Jon Stoddart’s referral of the case to the Independent Police Complaints Commission in light of their previous contact with Mr Atherton when he threatened to self-harm. I understand that the police reviewed Mr Atherton’s firearms licence at that time in 2008 however decided not to revoke it.

Without seeking to pre-empt the outcome of the police investigation or the IPCC review into the events that took place in Horden there is an opportunity to consider the effectiveness of current rules concerning fire-arms control in the UK. I welcome the intervention by Keith Vaz MP, Chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee, who this week sought an update from government on its progress since his committee called for the codification of the 34 separate pieces of legislation covering UK gun law last year. He has also raised the issue of strengthening the link between police and the medical profession when the holder of a gun licence is known to have developed mental health issues.

Other important issues in this debate must be the consideration of whether firearms should be kept in domestic premises in any situation and which is the appropriate authority to evaluate a person’s mental health when issuing gun licences in the first place. Once issued gun licences are valid for five years and determining a person’s continued suitability to possess firearms over this period raises further difficulties.

As we go forward in the wake of this terrible tragedy it is appropriate that there should be a public debate over whether gun laws should be reviewed. This does not mean the law should or will be changed; ultimately that is a matter for Parliament and Government following a sober review of the current protections in legislation. Britain already has some of the toughest gun control laws in the world. The broader issues raised by the Horden case must be looked at in a calm and measured manner once the Police and IPCC investigations are complete and I would welcome a public debate in which the requirements of the shooting fraternity are balanced against the need to protect public safety.

I continue to offer my support and assistance to the residents of Horden and to the wider community who have been affected by this tragedy. I would also welcome your views on this issue.

Other cases such as that of Christopher Foster who murdered his wife and teenage daughter in 2008 show similar hallmarks to that of the tragedy in Horden. Depression is a real and serious illness with recognisable symptoms affecting a person’s physical, psychological and social wellbeing. There are many ways mental health issues can arise such as relationship breakdown, family or work pressures, debt or bullying and it can affect anyone at anytime in their lives. It is essential that the symptoms are recognised and that people receive the right treatment and support. There is a strong argument that removing gun licences in these situations should become a matter of course.

Anyone who is suffering from depression and mental health issues should consult their doctor, who can rule out any physical illness which might cause the symptoms of depression. According to NICE some people with milder forms of depression may benefit from a psychological therapy alone but you may also be offered anti-depressants. People with moderate to severe depression should be offered anti-depressants as well as talking therapy. If symptoms persist you may be referred to the local community health team for specialist support.

Depression can be an intense and debilitating illness and if you or someone you know is experiencing any symptom you should seek help. In addition to your doctor there are a number of other organisations who may be able to help with advice and support. A selection of these is listed below.

MIND

www.mind.org.uk

0300 123 3393

Samaritans

www.samaritans.org

08457 90 90 90

Alcoholics Anonymous

0845 769 7555

www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/newcomers

Stonewall

Info line 08000 50 20 20

www.stonewall.org.uk

SANELine

0845 767 8000

www.sane.org.uk

Preventing young suicide

0800 068 41 41

www.papyrus-uk.org

Childline

www.childline.org.uk

0800 1111

Depression alliance

www.depressionalliance.org

Refuge

www.refuge.org.uk

0808 2000 247

Eating Disorders Association

www.b-eat.co.uk

0845 634 1414

Shelter

www.shelter.org.uk

0808 800 4444

NHS Direct

www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

0845 4647