As a UK citizen, I am dismayed at the increasing level of gun-related crime here. I see it as a result of a failure within our society rather than as a result of any legislation-for or against guns.

As a child I owned an air rifle and belonged to the National Small Bore Rifle Association. I learnt how to shoot and handle a weapon. I also knew that I could never shoot a living being after seeing what even a .22 could do...

As long as there are people who take the attitude that they can disregard others-there will be problems. And, I'm sorry to say-that is the prevalent attitude in society at the moment.

I will say that I now worry when I confront gangs of youths who I need to "shoo away" at work. One of these days, one of them will pull a knife or gun on me-and I shall be obliged to hurt them. I don't want to do that...