A possible further threat to airguns.
"Airguns: Regulation
House of Commons - Written Answers - Home Office
21/07/2020
Answered on: Tuesday 21 July 2020 Home Office
Karin Smyth (Bristol South): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 12 February to Question 12342 on Airguns: Regulation, for what reason her Department has not published its response to the air weapons review that closed in February 2018. [75372]
Kit Malthouse (North West Hampshire):We intend to publish our conclusions relating to the outcome of the review of air weapons regulations alongside a consultation on firearms safety issues, to which we committed during the passage of the Offensive Weapons Act. Preparations for that consultation are currently ongoing and it will be published later this year."
House of Commons - Written Answers - Home Office
21/07/2020
Answered on: Tuesday 21 July 2020 Home Office
Karin Smyth (Bristol South): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 12 February to Question 12342 on Airguns: Regulation, for what reason her Department has not published its response to the air weapons review that closed in February 2018. [75372]
Kit Malthouse (North West Hampshire):We intend to publish our conclusions relating to the outcome of the review of air weapons regulations alongside a consultation on firearms safety issues, to which we committed during the passage of the Offensive Weapons Act. Preparations for that consultation are currently ongoing and it will be published later this year."
Lead ammunition ban update.
[22/7/20] - (See below item) It is just possible that due to the current crisis, FACE (the European Hunters Association, of which BSSC is a member) will be able to stall the proposal to ban lead ammunition until AFTER the date of the UK's final departure from Europe, in which case it wouldn't affect us.
We can't be sure of this as the processes are very complex and bureaucratic, often suffering from translations that seem unclear.
We can't be sure of this as the processes are very complex and bureaucratic, often suffering from translations that seem unclear.
PROPOSAL TO BAN LEAD AMMUNITION
[4/6/20]There is a European Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals [REACH] proposal which would restrict all lead in all hunting and outdoor sport shooting. (However, Police, military, security services use etc, along with indoor ranges, would be exempt.)
This matter will be discussed by them on 23rd June, and they are keen to put the matter to law as soon as they can.
We are keeping an eye on the proceedings through the British Shooting Sports Council,
This matter will be discussed by them on 23rd June, and they are keen to put the matter to law as soon as they can.
We are keeping an eye on the proceedings through the British Shooting Sports Council,
POSSIBLE LIFTING OF RESTRICTIONS ON SHOOTING
[Johanathan Djanogly MP (the chairman of The British Shooting Sports Council) has written a further letter to the Secretary of State for the DCMS Nigel Huddleston MP, saying in part-
"I am very pleased that the Government has been able to move forward with the reopening of outdoor sports where they are undertaken either solo or in family groups, and where appropriate social distancing and good hand hygiene is practiced, especially with regard to shared surfaces.
Can you now confirm that where these measures are in place, shooting grounds and ranges may reopen?"
We await a reply.
[12/5/20]
Letter to the DCMS
The British Shooting Sports Council - of which we are a member - has sent a letter to the Secretary of State for Digital, Media, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) asking that the shooting sports are considered (along with golf and angling) be considered for early easing of the current Corona Virus restrictions.
(1/5/20)
The British Shooting Sports Council - of which we are a member - has sent a letter to the Secretary of State for Digital, Media, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) asking that the shooting sports are considered (along with golf and angling) be considered for early easing of the current Corona Virus restrictions.
(1/5/20)
30th March 2020
We received this through the British Shooting Sports Council.
It is particularly important to schools who fall within the metropolitan Police area.
It is very refreshing to see such an open, honest and helpful communication from a police firearms licensing team !
We received this through the British Shooting Sports Council.
It is particularly important to schools who fall within the metropolitan Police area.
It is very refreshing to see such an open, honest and helpful communication from a police firearms licensing team !
A message from Inspector Chris Downs of the Metropolitan Police Firearms Licensing Team.
"Dear All,
I don’t think it will come as a surprise to anyone that all public services, the Metropolitan Police Service included, are currently finding themselves operating in very difficult and rapidly changing environment. As a result I have had to make some difficult decisions in order to maintain our core business during this period and I have summarised these below for your information.
Renewals of all certification will take place via remote assessment via video, on the most widely available electronic mediums, and telephones calls.
We will take absolutely every measure to avoid certificate holders going in to unlawful possession but there may be some occasions where this is unavoidable. I am sensitive to the closure of RFDs but we have secured cooperation from a number of these across London to provide emergency storage in the event of no other alternative. If you, your colleagues, members or friends find themselves in this position then please contact us electronically and we will assist in making the necessary arrangements.
Wherever possible we will aim to avoid the issue of temporary permits as this in turn creates an additional demand on the team that we can ill afford.
Currently we have placed all new grants and variations on hold until this situation is under control. I do not at this time intend to return the paperwork associated with new grants but will on request. Applications for variations are now in the process of being returned with an explanatory note.
Responses to requests for materials for appeals will also be subject for delays but again we will make every effort to service this demand.
In terms of the bigger picture we have now reached the point where my staff and I will be required to assist the policing response across the Capital. This does not mean that our business will stop but does means that it will be maintained by absolutely minimal staff from Monday onwards and there may be service disruptions which occur at short notice.
As our partners in this endeavour I ask for your patience and understanding as we deal with these unprecedented times and your assistance in ensuring that our customers continue to receive the best possible service that we can offer.
The key messages I would ask for your help in delivering are:
With kind regards and wishing you all the best for the future.
Inspector Chris Downs
Firearms Enquiry Team
Tactical Firearms Commander - MxA38"
"Dear All,
I don’t think it will come as a surprise to anyone that all public services, the Metropolitan Police Service included, are currently finding themselves operating in very difficult and rapidly changing environment. As a result I have had to make some difficult decisions in order to maintain our core business during this period and I have summarised these below for your information.
Renewals of all certification will take place via remote assessment via video, on the most widely available electronic mediums, and telephones calls.
We will take absolutely every measure to avoid certificate holders going in to unlawful possession but there may be some occasions where this is unavoidable. I am sensitive to the closure of RFDs but we have secured cooperation from a number of these across London to provide emergency storage in the event of no other alternative. If you, your colleagues, members or friends find themselves in this position then please contact us electronically and we will assist in making the necessary arrangements.
Wherever possible we will aim to avoid the issue of temporary permits as this in turn creates an additional demand on the team that we can ill afford.
Currently we have placed all new grants and variations on hold until this situation is under control. I do not at this time intend to return the paperwork associated with new grants but will on request. Applications for variations are now in the process of being returned with an explanatory note.
Responses to requests for materials for appeals will also be subject for delays but again we will make every effort to service this demand.
In terms of the bigger picture we have now reached the point where my staff and I will be required to assist the policing response across the Capital. This does not mean that our business will stop but does means that it will be maintained by absolutely minimal staff from Monday onwards and there may be service disruptions which occur at short notice.
As our partners in this endeavour I ask for your patience and understanding as we deal with these unprecedented times and your assistance in ensuring that our customers continue to receive the best possible service that we can offer.
The key messages I would ask for your help in delivering are:
- We remain committed to providing our service and Firearms Licensing remains a priority for the MPS.
- That we are suffering disruption to our normal service due to these extraordinary circumstances.
- Only contact us when absolutely necessary and please utilise the internet based options to do so (Email - FETLondonAll@met.police.uk or general enquiry form found at https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/fi/af/firearms-licensing/mht/contact-firearms-team/ )
- Existing certificate holders should apply early (12 - 16 weeks) for at least the next six months in order to secure the statutory extension and give us the best possible opportunity to renew within time.
- If anyone finds themselves requiring renewal at timescales shorter than that described above they should make their renewal application electronically and follow this with an electronic contact to our office. We have a process in place to offer assistance in these circumstances but this is the most efficient way to access our services.
- We will be sympathetic to issues that shooters may experience in having opportunity to access ranges and shoots during these difficult times. This will be taken into consideration when we are considering evidence of continuing “good reason”
- We are well aware of the pressure felt across the NHS and will work together with our shooters and health partners to ensure a pragmatic approach is taken to addressing any medical issues raised.
With kind regards and wishing you all the best for the future.
Inspector Chris Downs
Firearms Enquiry Team
Tactical Firearms Commander - MxA38"
10/3/20
The Lead Issue
The Lead Issue
You may have seen or heard of recent press releases relating to the voluntary ban on using lead ammunition, and the strong reaction to it from various cartridge manufacturers in the UK.
We would like to make it very clear that we were NOT consulted about this proposal, and that we do NOT support the banning of lead ammunition where there are no alternatives - which is currently the case for .22 rimfire and air gun ammunition.
While the "Shoot Liaison Group" are primarily concerned with the use of shotgun ammunition for live quarry shooting, we feel it is naive to think that a ban on lead in ammunition would not have further ramifications. For example, .22 rimfire ammunition is used for pest control (eg: rabbits) and air rifles are a very good method of controlling smaller pest species such as rats.
It is true that this is currently a voluntary ban, but it would be very simple for the government to legislate, making it unlawful to use ANY lead ammunition.
Thanks to your information, we have already put in place a suggestion that our sports should have a derogation for any such proposed ban. If such a ban were to occur without any viable alternatives, it would terminally damage the PSRA and the NSRA since both of our organisations are based on the use of .22 rimfire and air gun ammunition. We have not heard from the NSRA yet.
The secretary will be at the British Shooting Sports Council AGM later in the month, when this issue will be high (we hope VERY high) on the agenda.
We would like to make it very clear that we were NOT consulted about this proposal, and that we do NOT support the banning of lead ammunition where there are no alternatives - which is currently the case for .22 rimfire and air gun ammunition.
While the "Shoot Liaison Group" are primarily concerned with the use of shotgun ammunition for live quarry shooting, we feel it is naive to think that a ban on lead in ammunition would not have further ramifications. For example, .22 rimfire ammunition is used for pest control (eg: rabbits) and air rifles are a very good method of controlling smaller pest species such as rats.
It is true that this is currently a voluntary ban, but it would be very simple for the government to legislate, making it unlawful to use ANY lead ammunition.
Thanks to your information, we have already put in place a suggestion that our sports should have a derogation for any such proposed ban. If such a ban were to occur without any viable alternatives, it would terminally damage the PSRA and the NSRA since both of our organisations are based on the use of .22 rimfire and air gun ammunition. We have not heard from the NSRA yet.
The secretary will be at the British Shooting Sports Council AGM later in the month, when this issue will be high (we hope VERY high) on the agenda.
Deactivated firearms guide
If you have any deactivated firearms, this guide will be of use to you in navigating the complexities of latest (last?!) piece of EU legislation.
It has been prepared for us by the Deactivated Weapons Association (DWA) through our membership of the British Shooting Shooting Sports Council (BSSC.)
It has been prepared for us by the Deactivated Weapons Association (DWA) through our membership of the British Shooting Shooting Sports Council (BSSC.)
Changes in the law relating to people under 18 who have a firearm or shotgun certificate
The changes to the Firearms Act affect England, Wales and Scotland came into effect on 12th
December 2019.
These Rules change the law to ensure that, where a person under 18 is
permitted to acquire or possess a shotgun or firearm and ammunition, an appropriate adult
assumes responsibility for its secure storage.
The person assuming responsibility must be:
a) the holder’s parent or guardian or
b) a person aged eighteen or over who is authorised under the principal Act to have
possession of such firearms and ammunition.
The changes to the Firearms Act affect England, Wales and Scotland came into effect on 12th
December 2019.
These Rules change the law to ensure that, where a person under 18 is
permitted to acquire or possess a shotgun or firearm and ammunition, an appropriate adult
assumes responsibility for its secure storage.
The person assuming responsibility must be:
a) the holder’s parent or guardian or
b) a person aged eighteen or over who is authorised under the principal Act to have
possession of such firearms and ammunition.
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There is a proposal to "ban" the use of lead ammunition - please read this.
There is a proposal to declare lead a "substance of concern" within the EU - and (Brexit notwithstanding) this may well have the effect of preventing to use of lead in ANY ammunition.
(We have to accept that lead is now banned in toys, paint, petrol, etc etc so there are precedents aplenty.) Currently there are no suitable lead substitutes for air guns and .22 rimfire firearms. Through the British Shooting Sports Council (BSSC) we have a chance to seek a derogation from any such "ban" but we will need evidence of the effect of these proposals on our sport. Initially we would ask -
UPDATE - Thank you for your help. We submitted your evidence to the British Shooting Sports Council meeting on 24th October 2019. We now await results. New Home Office fees for school shooting club approval to take effect
The Home Office has published a circular describing the effect of the Firearms (Fees) Regulations 2019. The regulations apply in England and Wales and in Scotland, and come into force on 1 October 2019. They introduce new fees for museum firearm licences, club approval and section 5 authorisations. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/circular-0062019-firearms-fees-regulations-2019 This follows the publication of the Government’s response to the consultation on fees on 19 June, which is available at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/firearms-licensing-fees You will see that the original draconian fee structure has been at least softened by our responses - particularly through the British Shooting Sports Council; however as is often the way with government consultations, the Home Office had already decided to impose the new fees, but then "consulted" those affected afterwards. The Home Office "Guide on [sic] Firearms Licensing Law"
The PSRA has been invited today (27/6/19) - through the British Shooting Sports Council - to assist the Home Office in re-drafting relevant chapters of their document - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/firearms-law-guidance-to-the-police-2012 This is the document which guides the police - and the sports shooters of the UK - through the complexities of firearms law. It's not perfect, but it IS influential. We have already found several major errors in one chapter, and we're working through the others. NB There are some major changes in the way Registered Firearms Dealers (RFDs) are to be administered, so if any member school operates a Registered Firearms Dealership, they would be well-advised to check on the changes in the system, and we can help: just contact us by e-mail. To quote from the Draft Guidance which we have been given - "From 10 June 2019, The Firearm (Amendment) Rules 2019 (SI No. 2019/963) made changes to the firearms dealer application process to require applicants to complete a medical declaration disclosing any relevant physical or mental health conditions that they have been diagnosed with or treated for in the past as this may affect their ability to safely possess firearms, shotguns or air weapons. This brings RFD applicants in line with the medical checking process for firearm and shotgun certificate applicants – to note that these arrangements are currently under review." PERSONAL SECURITY ADVICE
[URGENT UPDATE 5/10/18] The British Shooting Sports Council has just made us aware of a circulation from the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NaBIS) informing us that a number of firearm and shotgun certificate holders have had their details published on-line. This is the advice they are giving certificate holders:
As Firearm or Shotgun certificate holders, we should all be aware of the risks from criminals wishing to obtain our guns illegally. The Firearm Security Handbook 2005 at - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/firearms-handbook-2005 Gives plenty of advice, but to bring it up to date a bit - we advise individual certificate holders, and those traveling with firearms - 1. DO NOT post information about the dates and/or places of your future shooting activities on Facebook, Instagram etc. as this will alert anyone with criminal intent to the whereabouts of firearms, and the fact that your home may be unoccupied. 2. DO NOT give away information on such public websites which could identify you personally as a firearm certificate holder (IE: full name, or home address, details for shooting activities etc.) 3.When traveling to and from shooting venues, be aware of the potential for a criminal to follow you. 4. When loading/unloading firearms etc from vehicles, be aware of your surroundings - anyone or anything suspicious? Move on. 5. Note the registered numbers of any vehicles you believe to be suspicious or unusual at your shooting venue, school or home. 6. Be aware of local police station (if any, nowadays!) so that if you believe your vehicle is being followed by someone with evil intent, you can go there for safety. A THREAT TO OUR SPORT
The Second Reading of the Offensive Weapons Bill took place on the 27th June. This bill constitutes a major threat to target shooting, and could potentially set a malign precedent for other shooting sports since it seeks to prohibit two types of rifle for which there is no evidence of misuse in the UK. Please, it is important that you write to or email your Member of Parliament to express your concern as soon as you possibly can. You can use the details below, but PLEASE DO IT IN YOUR OWN WORDS – politely as you want your MP to help, you and not to see you as an enemy. "Dear [[[[MP’s name]]] Offensive Weapons Bill” – 2018 We believe that are being unfairly treated by the prohibitions proposed in the above Bill, and because the NCA / police Risk Assessments have apparently identified .50” calibre / MARS rifles as particular risks to public safety, we would like you to question the following (1) what reductions in firearms crime are expected as a result of the prohibitions? (2) what is the incidence of legally held rifles being used in crime; and (3) why the strict rules on the granting of Firearm Certificates are deemed insufficient in the case of .50” calibre, MARS /lever release rifles? We understand that MPs have many demands on their time and attention; but surely it is best for Parliament to concentrate upon the genuine and real issues, (Terrorism etc) rather than attack the law-abiding shooting sports. This Bill if unchallenged, risks setting a dangerous precedent as it proposes banning certain firearms without any evidence or credible justification. Today the target is .50” calibre and MARS / lever release rifles; tomorrow it could be other classes of firearm used in our sport. We do hope you can find the time to ask these questions, as we feel that this bill is a waste of valuable legislative time as well as damaging a sport and alienating the law-abiding sports shooter. Your sincerely, [[Name and address]]" Please email your local MP without delay – their contact details can be found https://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/mps/ The Bill and evidence base can be found https://services.parliament.uk/Bills/2017-19/offensiveweapons.html https://www.writetothem.com/ is another useful tool. Thank you for taking the time to read this through. PSRA COACHING MANUAL
We have had much to thank Nigel Curtis for over the years, and now he's distilled his wisdom into this coaching manual for us all to take advantage of his many years of experience. 
The Home Office has responded to the petition to avoid having airguns licensed in England and Wales - and THANK YOU to everyone who responded.
"The Government announced a review of the regulation of air weapons in England and Wales following a request from the Suffolk coroner in his report into the death of Benjamin Wragge, aged 13, who was accidentally shot with an air weapon in May 2016. Although no licence is required to possess most air weapons in England and Wales, they are nevertheless regulated. In particular, it is an offence for a person aged under 18 to purchase or hire an air weapon or ammunition, and it is an offence to sell, hire or gift an air weapon or ammunition to a person aged under 18. It is also an offence for a person aged under 18 to possess an air weapon or ammunition unless: • they are being supervised by a person aged 21 or over, or • they are shooting as a member of an approved target shooting club, or • they are using air weapons at a shooting gallery, or • the young person is aged 14 or over, is on private premises and has the consent of the occupier. The Crime and Security Act 2010 brought in legislation concerned with reducing the risk of children getting hold of air weapons and accidentally harming themselves or others. This inserted a provision into the Firearms Act 1968 that requires owners to take reasonable precautions to prevent a person under the age of 18 from gaining unauthorised access to an air weapon. The Government has sought the views of interested parties on relevant issues, including secure storage and the arrangements to prevent children gaining access to air weapons, manufacturing standards, and on the position in Scotland and Northern Ireland where air weapons are licensed. The Government has received a large number of representations about the review and these will be considered carefully before any decisions are made about how to proceed. Home Office" The Home Office have announced that they will be imposing massive increases in fees to clubs and schools
The current fee for grant of Home Office approval of school target shooting clubs is £84. The Home Office have decided that this will now be £444. They will also start charging for any changes in the club such as changes of ranges, changes of club name, or changes of secretary - although it's not yet exactly clear which change will attract which fee. Renewals will cost £372, and other changes will attract fees of £300, £206 and £36. Exactly how they have arrived at these figures is a mystery - as the police - not the Home Office - do the enquiries, which is where any real costs might be involved. One is left with the impression that either: a) The Home Office staff are grossly overpaid, or b) They are incredibly inefficient It seems that little notice has been paid to the educational and social benefits of our sport - maybe we should apply for a grant from the DCMS to assist us with the increase in Home Office fees ? British Shooting Sports Council Meeting - January 2018
We attended this 4 hour marathon meeting after leaving home at 04:00 - getting back at 23:00; a long day but very interesting. MANY different matters were discussed, and the BSSC are now arranging a meeting with the Minister to discuss the matter of airgun licensing and club/school fees - among other items. Our first Report from the British Shooting Sports Council
We were elected to the BSSC just too late to be included in their Annual Report, but it was good to note that it is growing, with the Scottish Association for Country Sports (SACS) and the Deactivated Weapons Association (DWA) joining in March & June respectively. The report is some 20 pages long detailing the council's activities during the past year, and rather than providing fine detail I'll just cover the headline discussions in which the Council had input -
I will be attending the next BSSC meeting in mid-September, and if any member schools has any concerns about proposed (or even rumoured!) legislation/regulation, please let me know before then. Mary Eveleigh Secretary. [12/8/17] The British Shooting Sports Council
Following a unanimous decision at our AGM, we applied for membership of the British Shooting Sports Council of the UK. We have just been told that we have been elected as a member of the council. This means we will now have regular contact with all the other major shooting organisations in the UK, and will be able to exchange knowledge and expertise. As well as this, it will give us access to decision makers in Government, the Home Office and Police Organisations. It will also increase our profile in the shooting world. [28/6/17] Proposed increase in fees for school club approval etc.
The Home Office have proposed that the fees for the grant of approval of target shooting clubs/schools should rise from £84 to £1,050, and that any alterations to that approval such as a change of name or secretary would attract a fee of between £100 and £690. Renewal would attract a £900 fee. There was a consultation - and we hope that everyone replied - but no results have been seen from the Home Office so far. [December 2017] Licensing airguns in Scotland
The Scottish Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015 came into effect on 31st December 2016. We are still unsure of several parts of the law relating to the use in schools, (which appear to have been forgotten during the drafting of the bill) although there are exemptions for "airgun clubs" and "recreational facilities" involving airguns which may be of use to us. BASC has a webpage devoted to the subject which may help you - basc.org.uk/basc-scotland/airguns-in-scotland/ [December 2017] There is an article about the PSRA in the Shooting Times - and they've kindly allowed us to use it here on our website. See - THE PSRA in the SHOOTING TIMES. Secretary takes gold!
At the Jersey Supershot Challenge in June 2017, held on the beautiful Crabbe ranges in Jersey, Mary Eveleigh took the gold medal in the Ladies class - again ! The competition comprised of 6 different disciplines: Air Pistol Archery Clay Pigeons Fullbore rifle 300 yards Smallbore rifle at 50 yards .22 pistol Mary was a part of the "Phoenix Away" team, which also claimed Silver in the team events. [December 2017] |
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