McG: I don't agree that "the overwhelming majority of people in the UK want stricter gun laws". I haven't seen any polls on this, but I doubt you have either.
If you meant to say that "If! the overwhelming majority...." Then fine, but an overwhelming majority would probably stop fox hunting, but re-introduce the death penalty.
Being in 'the majority' of the British opinion does not, necessarily, make an opinion right.
Nothing personal!

Nigel