Ms Dynamite joins MTV gun debate

Ms Dynamite has been vocal as an anti-gun campaigner

Singer Ms Dynamite is to participate in an MTV event exploring the relationship between hip hop and gun culture.

The R&B star will join politicians and viewers on 13 September for a studio discussion about the rise in gun crime.

The event forms part on an evening of programmes that includes Rap Under Fire - a news special featuring interviews with Dizzee Rascal, 50 Cent and others.

"The evening has been specifically planned to examine all sides of the debate," said Michael Parry of MTV UK.

"It is imperative that MTV brings important issues such as gun culture to the forefront of its viewers' mind."

On the same night the channel will also premiere .357, a short film by director Scott Rawthorne that follows a decommissioned revolver as it is brought back into circulation.

The evening has been coordinated in conjunction with Mothers Against Guns and the Don't Trigger campaign.

Gun crime in the UK rose by 6% in 2004-2005, according to police figures released last month.