GORDON BROWN

GORDON BROWN'S SUMMIT

Gordon Brown today called a Downing Street summit

Gordon Brown today called a Downing Street summit to discuss the escalating problem of gangs and youth crime. The meeting comes in the wake of the killing of 11-year-old Rhys Jones and the spate of teenage deaths in London and Manchester. Among those summoned by the Prime Minister were Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, justice ministers, and senior police. Ms Smith said the death of Rhys Jones was "desperately sad". She promised additional "resources and attention" to tackle gangs and violent crime. "We are really serious about looking at what more we can do," she said. She indicated the Government was looking at introducing a mandatory minimum sentence for those caught carrying a knife. The Home Secretary also promised new measures to clamp down on thuggish behaviour and under-age drinking. "I am serious about tackling knife crime and want to think about anything that will help us do that. "We have a minimum sentence for possession of gun and we have seen gun crime falling. Now guns and knives are not the same but I will look at anything to help tackle violent crime." Ms Smith also revealed she was looking at a range of measures to combat Britain's bingedrinking culture. To tackle "yob culture" Ms Smith said she wanted to see greater use of Acceptable Behaviour Contracts - voluntary agreements under which offenders agree to mend their behaviour or face a more serious punishment. The fatal shooting of 11-year-old Rhys Jones in Liverpool is just the latest in a spate of gun crime that has rocked Britain in the past six months. Sixteen young people have been killed this year as well as Gary Newlove, 47, killed in Warrington after challenging a group of louts. James Andre Smartt-Ford, 16, of New Malden, Surrey, died after being gunned down at Streatham Ice Arena in south London on February 3. He was shot in front of hundreds of people attending a disco at the ice rink. So far no-one has been charged with his murder, but four teenagers are on police bail. Three days later, Michael Dosunmu, of Diamond Street, Peckham, south London, was shot dead by gunmen who broke into his home just days after he celebrated his 15th birthday. Police believe Michael, a regular churchgoer, was a victim of mistaken identity. Two men have been charged with his murder and three other men and a 16-year-old boy are on police bail. On Valentine's Day, Billy Cox, 15, was shot dead on the doorstep of his home in Fenwick Place, Clapham, south London. The football-loving teenager was serving a 12-month supervision order for a burglary offence and was electronically tagged and restricted to a curfew from 7pm to 7am. One man is currently on police bail in connection with his murder. Annaka Keniesha Pinto, 17, was shot during a fight in the Swan bar in Philip Lane, Tottenham, north London, in the early hours of the morning on June 23. Three people were arrested in connection with the death and later released on bail. GORDON BROWN'S SUMMIT23 Aug 2007