WHAT IS THE STREET WEAPONS COMMISSION?
The Street Weapons Commission is an independent and diverse group of commissioners chaired by Cherie Booth. They are tasked with examining the problem of gun and knife crime on Britain's streets, and will attempt to find out why so many young people now routinely carry guns and knives.
The Commission will take evidence from interested parties, including members of the public, at hearings held in cities across Britain and online. And their findings will be published in a report in July, which will contain practical ideas to tackle the problem of weapons on our streets.
You can submit your evidence online here.
Highlights of each hearing will be shown on Channel 4 every day from Sun 29 June to Thurs 3 July culminating in a special studio debate hosted by Jon Snow on Sun 6 July at 7pm.
Cherie Booth QC said, "Like many others, I am deeply concerned that guns and knives are becoming a part of everyday life for some young people in Britain. As a barrister and part-time judge, I have to sentence offenders who have committed crimes with such weapons and have seen for myself the misery that they cause not only to the victims but to themselves and their families.
"As Chair of the Street Weapons Commission, I am looking forward to speaking to the individuals and organisations across the UK who deal with this issue and its consequences every day. The Street Weapons Commission aims to engage people in the debate and explore ideas based on real-life experience which will help to combat the increasing use of weapons on our streets."