An MP learnt first hand about the role the Forensic Science Service's Northern Firearms Unit plays in solving gun crime on a visit to the unit this week.

Stalybridge and Hyde MP Jonathan Reynolds met staff at the Manchester site, which provides support to police at the scenes of gun crimes and in weapons analysis across the north of the country.

During the visit Mr Reynolds also heard how the unit faces an uncertain future in light of the government's plans to wind up the FSS.

Speaking afterwards he said: "Without a fully independent, expert and trusted forensics service, the true cost of these changes could be the quality of justice that is given by our courts system. And that is too high a price."

A full account of the visit is on his website.

The Northern Firearms Unit was not the only FSS site to be visited this week. Shadow Home Office Minister Diana Johnson MP met Prospect members during a visit to the Wetherby laboratory.

Johnson, who has already tabled several parliamentary questions on the closure proposals, acknowledged that the announcement had been made "quietly" and promised to raise the issue with the rest of the Shadow Home Office team.

Please urge your MP to sign Early Day Motion 1353, opposing the closure, and sign the petition.