GREG POPE has joined fellow Labour MPs Jack Straw and Janet Anderson in the call to ban all handguns.

Mr Pope said there should be a widespread ban after the government announced it is to outlaw all handguns that are above .22 calibre.

He said: "I want to see a society in which a child's right to life is more important than an individual's right to own a handgun. There must be no more Dunblanes or Hungerfords.

"The Government had gone 90 percent of the way to banning all handguns in response to the Cullen report and I welcome that. It is now time for it to recognise the strength of public feeling on this issue and make the logical step of supporting a ban on all handguns."

Meanwhile Lancashire police chiefs believe the force will have to play a bigger role in the vetting and policing of gun clubs and the issuing of licenses.

David Smith, head of operations in the Lancashire Constabulary, said: "We broadly welcome the proposals announced by the Home Secretary. His decision to remove higher powered handguns from circulation will be a significant measure towards ensuring greater public safety.

"The Home Secretary made several announcements that would appear to impact upon the Police Service, not the least in the collection and storage of the handguns concerned and in the administration of the new security procedures."

He added: "We will need to look very closely at the proposals and at how they will affect us as a force. Certainly, it would appear we are going to play a bigger role in the vetting and policing of gun clubs and in the vetting and issuing of licences."

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