THE father of murdered security guard, Ian Foster has welcomed the overwhelming backing from MPs for a total ban on handguns.. Cllr Jack Foster, whose 26-year-old son Ian was gunned down during a raid on Farnworth Town Hall in 1992, said he was "very much in favour" of the ban.

"I am against guns and pleased that they have been banned," he said. "Although I am glad that they have made special arrangements for the Commonwealth Games."

He was speaking after the Firearms (Amendment) Bill passed its first Commons hurdle and was given a second reading by 384 votes to 181.

Labour MPs were given a free vote, which follows the outlawing of large calibre handguns by the Tory Government after the Dunblane massacre. The gun used to kill 26-year-old Mr Foster was one of seven stolen from a private collection in Farnworth, held by former police officer Brain Ford.

Firearm expert Mr Ford slammed the ban as "ludicrous" and claimed that it would not prevent further gun crime.

"Banning law abiding citizens from holding legal, registered handguns will have no effect on crime," he said.

"All it does is deny law abiding citizens their right to enjoy a sport, not to mention the massive financial effect on business.

"It was horrendous what happened at Dunblane, and I feel for the parents, but penalising a minority of people will not stop another one."

The Prime Minister voiced his support for an extension of the current ban to include smaller calibre weapons.

"I think we do owe a moral responsibility to the victims of Dunblane and their families," Mr Blair said.

And Home Secretary Jack Straw denied claims that a total ban would jeopardise the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002.

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