MPs united against shotgun licensing changes

A powerful wave of political activism is rising in the shooting community. Together, shooters are making their voice impossible to ignore. This was evident at the Westminster Hall debate on 23 February. The debate discussed a petition against Government plans to launch a consultation on subjecting shotguns to the same licensing rules as rifles.

Contributions from across the chamber made one thing clear. MPs had been inundated with correspondence ahead of the debate. Many directly cited the strength of views expressed by their constituents.

The arguments were detailed and compelling. They stated that the proposals are unevidenced. In addition, they would place further strain on already overstretched police firearms licensing departments. Many MPs also echoed calls made by BASC for England and Wales to establish a single firearms licensing authority.

Strong parliamentary opposition to merging licences

Jak Abrahams, BASC’s senior political affairs manager, said BASC members attended the debate in force. They formed a long queue in Westminster Hall. As a result, it made clear to policing minister Sarah Jones MP the strength of feeling on the issue. The debate concluded with unanimous opposition to merging shotgun and firearm licensing systems. Not a single MP spoke in favour of the Government’s proposal.

Ahead of the debate, BASC briefed MPs in Westminster and at local constituency events. In addition, the organisation engaged directly with parliamentary staff on shoots. That work resulted in supportive speeches prepared by BASC from across the political spectrum. These included representatives from Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the Conservatives, Plaid Cymru, the Scottish National Party, the Democratic Unionist Party and Restore.

In closing the debate, the minister confirmed there is no set date for launching the consultation. BASC will therefore continue briefing ministers and MPs on this issue. Meanwhile, it will monitor other policy developments that affect shooting.

Influence and remembrance within BASC

It has been a difficult time for BASC following the recent death of Christopher Graffius, the organisation’s executive director of communications and political affairs. For more than 24 years he shaped and expanded BASC’s political influence. He worked tirelessly to brief MPs on how damaging the Government’s proposals could be. That work included numerous ministerial meetings.

There were poignant tributes to Christopher from MPs and the policing minister during the debate. This reflected the high regard in which politicians held him.

In her speech at the end of the debate, the minister said a basic principle is the need to avoid unintended consequences. She added that she had heard concerns clearly. She also confirmed she had multiple conversations with MPs, colleagues and organisations on the issue.

A call for sensible firearms licensing reform

Christopher would have been pleased with how the debate unfolded. However, he would now be urging supporters to keep pushing for a positive outcome for shooting. BASC intends to do exactly that.

It is a demonstration of strength, not weakness, to listen to feedback and change direction. As a result, the debate offers the Labour Government an opportunity. It can show it has heard the concerns of farmers and those who shoot. These groups play a vital role in food security and nature recovery.

If the consultation contains sensible proposals for improving firearms licensing, they will be welcomed. However, the focus must remain on fundamental administrative problems. These exist within police firearms licensing across England and Wales. The solution is not unevidenced legislative change that risks making matters worse.

Should the Government ignore these concerns, and those of many rural MPs, BASC will maintain political pressure. Everyone in the shooting community has a role to play. A full briefing about the debate is available on the BASC website. Readers are encouraged to check it. If your MP attended, contact them to say thank you. If they did not attend, update them on the debate and ask why they were not present.