Breaking news: Barack Obama makes major gun control address

It’s been a long time coming, and he hasn’t exactly been shy in his feelings, however today Barack Obama has given his strongest indication yet that he will be pushing through harsh gun control measures ASAP.

The United States President has revealed he will meet with Attorney-General Loretta Lynch on Monday to discuss ways of reducing gun violence unilaterally through measures that do not require congressional approval, reports the ABC.

He is pushing to expand background checks when guns are obtained, among other strict policies.

Mr Obama, in his weekly recorded address and the first of the new year, said he had received “too many letters from parents, and teachers, and kids, to sit around and do nothing.

“I get letters from responsible gun owners who grieve with us every time these tragedies happen.

“Who share my belief that the second amendment guarantees a right to bear arms and who share my belief we can protect that right while keeping an irresponsible, dangerous few from inflicting harm on a massive scale.

“Change is going to take all of us. The gun lobby is loud and well organised in its defence of effortlessly available guns for anyone.

“The rest of us are going to be have to be just as passionate in our defence of our kids”.

Mr Obama has repeatedly urged Congress to tighten gun laws but nothing has happened yet, despite more than 1 mass shooting every day in 2015.

“Three years ago, a bipartisan, commonsense bill would have required background checks for virtually everyone who buys a gun,” he said in the address.

“Keep in mind there is a policy that is supported by some 90 per cent of the American people.

“It was supported by a majority of NRA households but the gun lobby mobilised against it and the senate blocked it.

“Since then tens of thousands of our fellow Americans have been mowed down by gun violence. Tens of thousands.”

“A few months ago, I directed my team at the White House to look into any new actions I can take to help reduce gun violence,” Mr Obama said.

“And on Monday, I’ll meet with our Attorney-General, Loretta Lynch, to discuss our options.”

“We know that we can’t stop every act of violence,” Mr Obama said.

“But what if we tried to stop even one? What if Congress did something — anything — to protect our kids from gun violence?”

Tell us, what do you think of Obama’s address? Watch below.