Crime: Ask Lord Bassam

Crime figures in January showed a rise in violent crime - with inner-city areas the worst places for violence, robbery and burglary.

In Nottingham armed police patrol high crime areas - is this the way forward? Should more of our police routinely carry guns?

How do we tackle the growth of so-called "yob culture"? Are curfews the answer? How do we break the link between drugs and crime? Should cannabis be decriminalised?

Conservative shadow home secretary Ann Widdecombe and Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Simon Hughes answered your questions on these issues.

Now Home Office Minister Lord Bassam of Brighton will take the chair and answer a selection of your questions. Send them to him using the form below.