1/9/23 - NOW ENDED - We await a response.
The Government has just started a consultation on changes to firearms law as a response to many suggestions following the Plymouth and Isle of Skye shootings.
https://www.homeofficesurveys.homeoffice.gov.uk/s/firearms-licensing/
Below are the main questions from this consultation, together with suggested responses and the reasons for those suggestions.
Please take the time to complete the consultation, in your own name and/or in the name of your school as an organisation/club.
Question 1. Do you consider that the police should be granted a specific power of entry (without a warrant issued by a magistrate or sheriff) to be able to seize shotguns, firearms and ammunition where there is a risk to public safety or the peace and the certificate holder does not cooperate with the police and agree to voluntary surrender?
NO the police already have the power to revoke a certificate if there is a danger to the public, and they use it regularly.
(b) Mandatory prohibitions
Question 2. Do you consider that the prohibition on possessing firearms should be changed from one that is based solely on length of a custodial sentence following conviction, to one based more on the nature of the offence?
NO Defining the nature of the offence would be complex in the extreme, and subject to changes due to public perception/ media pressure. To receive a prison sentence the matter has to be individually considered carefully before a court.
(c) Length of certificate before renewal require.
Question 3. [1] Do you consider that the renewal period (currently every five years) for a certificate should be kept under review? [2] If so, is renewal every five years the right period of time or [3] should it be changed to a shorter or longer period of time?
Three questions in one. Probably best to skip this one if possible, and go to the next question, or answer NO
Length of certificate before renewal
Recommendations relating to referees
Question 4. Do you consider that people applying for shotgun certificates should provide two referees?
NO The system as it stands is working as well as any reference system can, and was reviewed fairly recently.
Question 5. Do you consider that at least one of the referees should be a person of certain standing in the community (e.g. of a professional background)? This could include public officials (both elected and Civil Servants or Local Government officers), members of a regulated profession (including doctors, nurses, solicitors, barristers, accountants and FCA regulated finance professionals), officers of registered shooting clubs, National Farmers’ Union representatives, landlords, land managers, vets or surveyors.
NO The current system requires someone who knows the applicant well. The system of using “people of standing” was abandoned fairly recently, as it added nothing to the process, and the new system of using people who really know the applicant has worked well.
Question 6. Do you consider that referees should be able to demonstrate a good knowledge of the applicant’s circumstances, relevant to their suitability to possess a firearm or shotgun?
NO This is effectively the case now, but “relevant to their suitability” is something ill-defined, and is far too open to interpretation.
Question 7. Do you consider that the application form should include a checklist for referees on the information that they should provide to the police, and require referees to provide a written declaration that they have disclosed all relevant facts to the police?
NO checklists add to the bureaucracy, and cannot hope to cover every eventuality without becoming extremely unwieldy. Good guidance to the referee would be far more helpful.
Question 8. Do you consider that the Statutory Guidance should include more detailed guidance for the police on the information they should be looking to elicit from referees?
NO Lists limit the investigation to items on that list. Referees can only offer a snapshot at the time of the application.
Question 9. Do you consider that the police should look at the circumstances when individuals change referees between application and renewal, and between subsequent renewals?
YES This is already good practice, and is done by many police forces.
Question 10. Do you consider that the sharing of the unique application reference number by the applicant with their referees would make it easier for referees to report concerns they have about applicants to the police, or to decline to give references, or, for those who give references but subsequently become concerned that the applicant may no longer be suitable to have access to a firearm or shotgun, to report this later to the police.
NO A reference number can be forgotten or lost, but it’s unlikely that the name of the applicant will be.
2. Other recommendations
Question 11. Do you consider that the content in the Statutory Guidance should be expanded and made more prescriptive in relation to the suitability checks carried out by the police for firearm and shotgun applicants and certificate holders?
NO This is already robust and again, limiting an investigation to a tick-box approach does not help where well trained and intelligent firearms licensing officers will.
Question 12. Do you consider that the balance of probabilities test is the correct test to apply in the Statutory Guidance to information about a person’s suitability to hold a certificate? This is the test that the police have been using for many years and is applied in weighing the evidence and information in any individual case.
YES IF it is used correctly.
Question 13. Do you consider that neurodevelopmental disorders should be added to the list of relevant medical conditions in the Statutory Guidance (and application form)?
NO “Neurodevelopmental disorders” is too broad a definition, and may be of no relevance. ( EG: ADHD as a child) This is already covered in the current form under “Any other mental or physical condition, or combination of conditions, which you think may be relevant.”
Question 14. Do you consider that GPs’ engagement with the firearms licensing process should be made mandatory?
YES vital. This was agreed as a part of the continuous monitoring system to allow a ten year renewal cycle, and the lack of it has been the weakest link in the system.
Question 15. Do you consider that interim medical checks should be made on licensed firearms holders between the grant of the certificate and any application to renew?
NO The continuous monitoring system covers this, and to add extra checks would put pressure on an already overloaded medical system. There seems little evidence that this would provide any benefits.
Question 16. Do you consider that the digital marker for use by GPs on the medical records of licensed firearms holders should be visible to other health professionals?
YES It shouldn’t currently be the case, but we know that in fact this marker is being shared with other medical agencies despite the data protection regulations.
Question 17. Do you consider there should be more mental health advice and support for licensed firearms holders through, for example, advice leaflets and other such support?
YES but handled with delicacy – the revocation of a certificate has a surprisingly great impact on a sporting shooter’s self-esteem, and can result in the loss of peer support, if only in the shooter’s own view. It can remove the shooter from his or her sporting friends and colleagues, and thus from their support. Revocation is often seen as a stigma.
Question 18. Do you consider a specific phoneline should be introduced in addition to the services already available to report concerns about a licensed firearms holder?
NO If firearms licensing departments were to make their telephone details available – at least during office hours – that would help greatly, at the same saving the expense of setting up a separate system.
Question 19. How in principle should any specific phoneline be funded?
NO There are a number of people and organisations who do not have the best interests of the shooting sports in mind. Firearms Licensing contacts, ( see Q 18) yes, but the other systems are largely there to deal with criminal acts, and associating the largely law-abiding certificate holders with criminals in the public mind would be counter-productive, as it would create a barrier between them and the police.
Question 21. If you have any comments on the subject matter of this consultation, please enter below.
The Government has just started a consultation on changes to firearms law as a response to many suggestions following the Plymouth and Isle of Skye shootings.
https://www.homeofficesurveys.homeoffice.gov.uk/s/firearms-licensing/
Below are the main questions from this consultation, together with suggested responses and the reasons for those suggestions.
Please take the time to complete the consultation, in your own name and/or in the name of your school as an organisation/club.
Question 1. Do you consider that the police should be granted a specific power of entry (without a warrant issued by a magistrate or sheriff) to be able to seize shotguns, firearms and ammunition where there is a risk to public safety or the peace and the certificate holder does not cooperate with the police and agree to voluntary surrender?
NO the police already have the power to revoke a certificate if there is a danger to the public, and they use it regularly.
(b) Mandatory prohibitions
Question 2. Do you consider that the prohibition on possessing firearms should be changed from one that is based solely on length of a custodial sentence following conviction, to one based more on the nature of the offence?
NO Defining the nature of the offence would be complex in the extreme, and subject to changes due to public perception/ media pressure. To receive a prison sentence the matter has to be individually considered carefully before a court.
(c) Length of certificate before renewal require.
Question 3. [1] Do you consider that the renewal period (currently every five years) for a certificate should be kept under review? [2] If so, is renewal every five years the right period of time or [3] should it be changed to a shorter or longer period of time?
Three questions in one. Probably best to skip this one if possible, and go to the next question, or answer NO
Length of certificate before renewal
- 5 years (the current period)
- Less than 5 years
- More than 5 years More than 5 years. Now we have 24/7/364 monitoring via the National Firearms Licensing System, the Police National Computer systems and the medical marker, none of which were available when certificate life was last considered. It was agreed with the police that a certificate should last for 10 years once this continuous monitoring was in place. Thjs saves police time, and does not render any risk to the public.
Recommendations relating to referees
Question 4. Do you consider that people applying for shotgun certificates should provide two referees?
NO The system as it stands is working as well as any reference system can, and was reviewed fairly recently.
Question 5. Do you consider that at least one of the referees should be a person of certain standing in the community (e.g. of a professional background)? This could include public officials (both elected and Civil Servants or Local Government officers), members of a regulated profession (including doctors, nurses, solicitors, barristers, accountants and FCA regulated finance professionals), officers of registered shooting clubs, National Farmers’ Union representatives, landlords, land managers, vets or surveyors.
NO The current system requires someone who knows the applicant well. The system of using “people of standing” was abandoned fairly recently, as it added nothing to the process, and the new system of using people who really know the applicant has worked well.
Question 6. Do you consider that referees should be able to demonstrate a good knowledge of the applicant’s circumstances, relevant to their suitability to possess a firearm or shotgun?
NO This is effectively the case now, but “relevant to their suitability” is something ill-defined, and is far too open to interpretation.
Question 7. Do you consider that the application form should include a checklist for referees on the information that they should provide to the police, and require referees to provide a written declaration that they have disclosed all relevant facts to the police?
NO checklists add to the bureaucracy, and cannot hope to cover every eventuality without becoming extremely unwieldy. Good guidance to the referee would be far more helpful.
Question 8. Do you consider that the Statutory Guidance should include more detailed guidance for the police on the information they should be looking to elicit from referees?
NO Lists limit the investigation to items on that list. Referees can only offer a snapshot at the time of the application.
Question 9. Do you consider that the police should look at the circumstances when individuals change referees between application and renewal, and between subsequent renewals?
YES This is already good practice, and is done by many police forces.
Question 10. Do you consider that the sharing of the unique application reference number by the applicant with their referees would make it easier for referees to report concerns they have about applicants to the police, or to decline to give references, or, for those who give references but subsequently become concerned that the applicant may no longer be suitable to have access to a firearm or shotgun, to report this later to the police.
NO A reference number can be forgotten or lost, but it’s unlikely that the name of the applicant will be.
2. Other recommendations
Question 11. Do you consider that the content in the Statutory Guidance should be expanded and made more prescriptive in relation to the suitability checks carried out by the police for firearm and shotgun applicants and certificate holders?
NO This is already robust and again, limiting an investigation to a tick-box approach does not help where well trained and intelligent firearms licensing officers will.
Question 12. Do you consider that the balance of probabilities test is the correct test to apply in the Statutory Guidance to information about a person’s suitability to hold a certificate? This is the test that the police have been using for many years and is applied in weighing the evidence and information in any individual case.
YES IF it is used correctly.
Question 13. Do you consider that neurodevelopmental disorders should be added to the list of relevant medical conditions in the Statutory Guidance (and application form)?
NO “Neurodevelopmental disorders” is too broad a definition, and may be of no relevance. ( EG: ADHD as a child) This is already covered in the current form under “Any other mental or physical condition, or combination of conditions, which you think may be relevant.”
Question 14. Do you consider that GPs’ engagement with the firearms licensing process should be made mandatory?
YES vital. This was agreed as a part of the continuous monitoring system to allow a ten year renewal cycle, and the lack of it has been the weakest link in the system.
Question 15. Do you consider that interim medical checks should be made on licensed firearms holders between the grant of the certificate and any application to renew?
NO The continuous monitoring system covers this, and to add extra checks would put pressure on an already overloaded medical system. There seems little evidence that this would provide any benefits.
Question 16. Do you consider that the digital marker for use by GPs on the medical records of licensed firearms holders should be visible to other health professionals?
YES It shouldn’t currently be the case, but we know that in fact this marker is being shared with other medical agencies despite the data protection regulations.
Question 17. Do you consider there should be more mental health advice and support for licensed firearms holders through, for example, advice leaflets and other such support?
YES but handled with delicacy – the revocation of a certificate has a surprisingly great impact on a sporting shooter’s self-esteem, and can result in the loss of peer support, if only in the shooter’s own view. It can remove the shooter from his or her sporting friends and colleagues, and thus from their support. Revocation is often seen as a stigma.
Question 18. Do you consider a specific phoneline should be introduced in addition to the services already available to report concerns about a licensed firearms holder?
NO If firearms licensing departments were to make their telephone details available – at least during office hours – that would help greatly, at the same saving the expense of setting up a separate system.
Question 19. How in principle should any specific phoneline be funded?
- Public funding
- Other source of funding This is a “have you stopped beating your wife” question. Leave the question, or “Public funding” as it is for the public safety.
NO There are a number of people and organisations who do not have the best interests of the shooting sports in mind. Firearms Licensing contacts, ( see Q 18) yes, but the other systems are largely there to deal with criminal acts, and associating the largely law-abiding certificate holders with criminals in the public mind would be counter-productive, as it would create a barrier between them and the police.
Question 21. If you have any comments on the subject matter of this consultation, please enter below.
1/6/23 We have been alerted to a cyber attack on the NSRA, but this should not affect our members unless anyone is an individual member of the NSRA -see -
https://www.nsra.co.uk/index.php/news/3954-press-release-cyber-attack
https://www.nsra.co.uk/index.php/news/3954-press-release-cyber-attack
LEAD AMMUNITION
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REACH UK - it appears we spoke too soon. 23/3/21.
Just when we thought it had gone away with our exit from Europe, the threat to ban lead in all ammunition has been raised by an new UK department of the HSE called REACH - the Registration,Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals. The title says it all.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/plans-announced-to-phase-out-lead-ammunition-in-bid-to-protect-wildlife While the thrust of the initiative is “to protect wildlife and nature” It would be be naive in the extreme to believe that this will not affect ALL ammunition sometime in the future. We don’t know where this is going, and unfortunately a number of game shooting organisations - including BASC - are supporting this move. We will try to keep abreast of this issue through the British Shooting Sports Council. (BSSC) 18/2/21
The threat to abolish lead in ammunition in the UK (with the exception of Northern Ireland) has been averted. [Much of this is due to the work of the British Shooting Sports Council.] Because the EU regulation was passed after the date of the UK's exit from Europe, and it was not a part on any exit agreement, we can continue to use lead ammunition as before. We'd like to thank those members who took the time to complete the consultation, which contributed towards further discussions, which in turn led to the delay in implementation in Europe until after the UK had left. Unfortunately this does NOT apply to Northern Ireland, for reasons which are not fully understood. |
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A NASTY ROBBERY
Following a recent very nasty robbery, the Metropolitan Police have asked all the major National Governing Bodies of shooting to circulate advice. We urge our members to accept and follow the advice, and to pass it on to other firearm owners.
On Saturday 5th September 2020 a firearm certificate holder advertised a gun for sale on GunStar, one of the well-known sites for sales of lawfully owned guns. The advert was answered by two men and the holder arranged for a meeting at his home address. He invited the potential “buyers” into his home where he showed the gun and his certificate.
The “buyers” were in fact criminals who proceeded to hold the certificate holder at knife point, tie him and his wife up and then instruct him to load the gun for them. They then left, leaving the certificate holder bound.
The police ask us to remind firearms owners that there are criminals who are also reviewing sites like GunStar. It is easy to assume, incorrectly, that purported buyers have the same enthusiasm for the sport as they do. This is not always the case.
To reduce risk of another such crime, the police offer the following, and ask for our assistance to make crimes of this type more difficult to perpetrate and with joint effort, avoid a repetition. They emphasise this is advice; it is not guidance or regulation:
On Saturday 5th September 2020 a firearm certificate holder advertised a gun for sale on GunStar, one of the well-known sites for sales of lawfully owned guns. The advert was answered by two men and the holder arranged for a meeting at his home address. He invited the potential “buyers” into his home where he showed the gun and his certificate.
The “buyers” were in fact criminals who proceeded to hold the certificate holder at knife point, tie him and his wife up and then instruct him to load the gun for them. They then left, leaving the certificate holder bound.
The police ask us to remind firearms owners that there are criminals who are also reviewing sites like GunStar. It is easy to assume, incorrectly, that purported buyers have the same enthusiasm for the sport as they do. This is not always the case.
To reduce risk of another such crime, the police offer the following, and ask for our assistance to make crimes of this type more difficult to perpetrate and with joint effort, avoid a repetition. They emphasise this is advice; it is not guidance or regulation:
- Try to check certificates prior to any meeting. A genuine buyer should not object to, for instance, sending an electronic image of their certificate. That includes a photograph of the holder which can be compared with the person at the door, before any entry is allowed into the home.
- Try to complete a sale away from your home. At home, a criminal has access to the entire contents of your safe; a better location may be at school or your local shooting club as more people will be present. This may well be the deter the criminal.
- Advertise locally within your school or club environment rather than online.
- Ideally use an RFD as a conduit for sale. This is by far the safest option, and while the cost is understood, the risk to holder is entirely negated.
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."
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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