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The figures on overall crime recorded by police in the period from April to June this year suggest that Britain is fast becoming a much more brutal society, with a 9% increase in violent crimes over the same period in 2002. Recorded offences of "more serious" violence rose by 7%, while "less serious" offences of violence – such as harassment, minor woundings and common assault – showed a 12% rise. The overall figure for violent offences during the period stands at 233,000, over 10,000 of those being of a highly serious nature. A parlous situation.

Even more worringly, perhaps, gun crime has more than doubled since New Labour came to power in 1997, last year reaching its highest-ever level of 10,000-plus offences. Indeed, the 'exact' figure of 10,250 firearms offences in the year to March 2003 – also unveiled as part of the British Crime Survey – equates to more than one offence committed every hour throughout England and Wales.

In nearly 7,000 cases, the weapon involved was used as a threat and, in 17% of incidents, someone was shot and injured. Gun murders have actually fallen, but the totals being reported are still higher than they were a decade ago. The Home Office has tried to suggest that, at a 26.9% chance, the risk of being a crime victim – as measured by the British Crime Survey – is now the same as it was way back in 1981. Fine, but if we are to rely on crime survey figures then any good statistician will tell you the real numbers are generally up to four times greater than the recorded totals.

Although gun-induced murders have fallen from 95 last year to 80 this time around, many in the police service feel this is primarily due to the widespread use of modified weapons that are often dubious in quality.

If Britain is not to become a Gun Law society, the problem has to be nipped in the bud now. The question is how?

Ultimately, we need far tougher regulation and tighter security at ports and airports where many of these firearms first emerge from foreign shores. We also require a far greater police presence on our streets, and a judicial system that clamps down hard on offenders. Not too much to ask.

Time to start walking the talk, Mr Home Secretary.