TWO shocking stories have brought gun crime to the top of the political agenda.

First, two teenage girls were shot dead as they took a breath of air during a New Year party in Birmingham.

Days later the Home Office revealed figures which showed an alarming 35 per cent rise in gun crime in one year.

In North Yorkshire, the good news is that gun crime remains rare: the bad news is that the 28 recorded incidents represent a 200 per cent leap from the previous year.

Chief Superintendent John Lacy has now called for a crackdown on replica firearms and airguns. The proliferation of these guns led to almost 100 armed responses by North Yorkshire police.

This idea is likely to be discussed at the "gun summit" hosted by David Blunkett today. The meeting is an overdue attempt to examine a serious issue - the Home Affairs Select Committee warned of the rise in gun crime two years ago.

Nevertheless, it is crucial that the Government takes its time to formulate a considered response. This is a complex social and cultural problem which will not be solved by hasty legislation.

There are two major areas in which Mr Blunkett can take specific action against firearms.

Firstly, he might follow Supt Lacy's advice and outlaw replica guns. They are far more likely to be used in armed raids than real weapons. And some air pistols are easily converted to fire live ammunition.

Any such legislation must be careful to avoid penalising the legitimate users such as gun sports and field enthusiasts.

Furthermore, Mr Blunkett should seek ways to reduce the burgeoning underground gun trade. In this, he would need to work with the international community to stem the illegal import of thousands of guns.

That will be difficult. But there is a yet tougher task: improving the social and economic conditions of Britain's worst inner cities, so that young men have opportunities to enhance their status other than through drugs and guns.

Updated: 12:20 Friday, January 10, 2003