Gang member don't care about going to prison after all there life is already a mess because they have no qualifications cant get a Job so they turn to crime to make money so they can live and once another member from a different faction see that person making money they envy and attack which causes

dantes james, peckham, england

the gang wars on London's streets so the government needs to see that once a young person fails to obtain qualifications they are made to fill as if they can not make it in life there has to be more encouragement towards failing students as well as more activities from the schools and colleges.

dantes james, peckham, england

I sympathize with you Brits, however you have it wrong. The US has more of its citizens in jail than basically any other 'civilized' country and some states have 3 strike laws. Fear of prison doesn't prevent crimes when irrational decisions are made under the influence of drugs.

James, Minneapolis, USA

We keep trying to treat the symptoms rather than do something about the cause. If more young people had more to do and better prospects there would be less attraction in gangs.

If you don't build large housing estates you don't create the environment for large gangs either.

Alan, Verwood, UK

The punishment has to fit the crime
I think sentences are far too lenient.
Life should mean Life with no remission for so called good behaviour.
If someone is given a 10 Year sentence then it should be 10 Years.
The current system is a joke although no laughing matter.

Stephen Holmes, Withington, UK

Brilliant. It's my contention that the Judiciary has caused this, among other problems with their weak sentencing. This helps to ease the problem.

Mark, Staines,

Illegal guns are being smuggled into the UK along with the illegal drugs. If the minister is serious in going something about this, then she should start reading the research that has been submitted to the Home Office over the last twelve years by independant experts.

Stuart Andrews, Colchester, UK

stiff sentences are no use if there's no place to put them... for every one who gets locked up, another one has to be let out first... What we need is bring back the stocks... they would be so keen on committing the offences if they had to spend Saturday in the stocks being laughed at

paulc, gloucester,

Before all new laws & protections become effective, systems & units within Police departments and Justice systems have to be well connected, communicate well with each other and go that extra mile. Because of these gaps This is not happening .

The trust & linkages must be there. They are not

Trish, Liverpool, , England

The way to get prison overcrowding DOWN is to put sentences UP. That way the grotty small-time criminals that cost us so much in money and pain may think twice before committing offences.

David Sexton, Chichester, England

It would be nice to think that gang members, knife carriers and gun bearers will get more severe sentencing that old ladies who won't pay council tax - but I'll not hold my breath while this shabby lot are in power.

Graham, Swindon,

More Powers. Crumbs move over Parliament

Mark, Newcastle, Tyne Wear

This means nothing without having the prison places available to put people in jail. We need a lot more, and only then will people start to listen as breaking the law will mean going to jail-no 'court order' stops a gang member-they're already broken the law, so they'll just carry on.

ted, london, uk

I am sure the Police know exactly how to stop any type of crime. The poroblem is how to fund the action needed. We can not be all things to all people and I prefer my Council Tax to be spent on this action rather than on translators for some of those who need arresting and sending back.

tiny, Birmingham, England

Why are these crime problems we have not widespread in countries such as Singapore, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and China? It is not rocket science make punishments for crime severe - After all nobody forces people to commit crime, it is a life choice!

Stuart, London,

When a person knows that even if they murder they will be out in around 15 years, why shold they care? What happens when a child is not disciplined? It is not good for the child or anyone. No discipline in society = chaos. There should be a 3 strikes and out system. These criminals are just laughing

John Morgan, Old Stratford, United Kingdom

Prevention using zero-tolerance policing methods would be preferable

dec765, Watford, UK

There is no point putting new powers in place, if the courts give them a slap on the wrist when they break the law.

Arthur, Newcastle,

Can we actually start by ensuring stiff sentences no matter what the age of the culprit.

Hamad Lone, London, England