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Government
Ministers debate airgun safety
The comments were made by CA head of shooting Liam Stokes following a debate about the use of airguns by under-18s that took place in Parliament earlier this month. The Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Bill was passed in July 2015, making it illegal to possess an airgun without a licence in Scotland after 31 December this year. Its introduction was…
Knee-jerk legislation dropped from EU Firearms Directive
A revised set of amendments to the EU Firearms Directive has been drafted, removing some of those proposals that had been criticised as unnecessary restrictions on lawful gun owners. Following the terrorist attacks in Paris last year, the European Commission brought forward plans to tighten gun laws, including a ban on semi-automatic .22 rimfires and new age limitations, despite a…
Open letter from Vicky Ford MEP on the Firearms Directive
“Following last week’s vote in the European Parliament IMCO committee I thought it would be helpful to provide further clarification as I appreciate there are remaining concerns amongst the law abiding shooting community. The EU Commission’s initial proposal to change the EU firearms directive was extremely badly worded and…
A year of change for laws on licensing firearms
First, in September 2015, came the report by Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC) for England and Wales into the efficiency of the licensing system. It will come as no surprise to readers who have the misfortune to live in Essex, Gloucestershire, Thames Valley or Hampshire that HMIC found much to be desired in the way the police…
Saving apprenticeships
Securing the future of gamekeeping apprentices is one of the most important things we can do for the future of shooting. We all know that the shooting we enjoy and the amazing conservation work it supports simply could not happen without gamekeepers, and gamekeepers could not do what they do without…
Airguns and visiting Scotland
Q: Now that the Scottish Parliament requires residents to include airguns on their firearms certificate (FAC), how do other UK citizens fare when they take their airguns into Scotland? Presumably, the Scottish Police will not issue an FAC for owners who live outside Scotland and the other UK Police Forces cannot…
Shooting groups welcome tagging of medical records
A new “encoded reminder” system will make it easier for GPs to inform the police if they believe a firearms or shotgun certificate holder should not be in possession of a gun, following a change in legislation this month. As of 1 April, the application and renewal forms for firearms…
Scottish airgun licences required by New Year
It will be illegal to hold an airgun without a licence from 31 December, but BASC says that the “lead in” period is shorter than anticipated and could place an extra burden on the police. Apply for a certificate from 1 July The Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Michael Matheson, last…
Shooting Industry has little to fear from Brexit, say experts
A “Brexit” would have little or no major impact on UK firearms ownership, according to shooting industry leaders. While the 23 June in-out referendum on the UK’s continued membership of the European Union (EU) could have consequences for the agricultural industry and the environment the shooting industry has less to worry…
Microchipping dogs becomes law on 6 April
Breeders will be required to microchip puppies before they are rehomed and anyone who fails to get their dogs chipped could face a fine of up to £500. The process involves injecting a chip the size of a grain of rice under a dog’s skin. This chip contains a code…
Environment and farming ministers are split over Brexit
Environment minister Elizabeth Truss and farming minister George are split over the issue of Brexit. Mr Eustice surprised many in the farming industry when he gave his support last month to the campaign for Britain to leave the European Union (EU), while Ms Truss revealed she is backing the Prime Minister’s…
Wildfowling ban looms for Findhorn Bay
On 8 March, Moray Council will debate a call by Friends of Findhorn Bay to ban all shooting of geese and duck on the nature reserve. Earlier this year the group presented a petition signed by locals who do not want wildfowling to continue. However the Findhorn Bay Local Nature…
Have your say on firearms licensing
It’s heartening to hear that MEP Vicky Ford appears to be listening to BASC and the Countryside Alliance (CA) over proposed changes to the EU’s Firearms Directive. Ms Ford is heading up a study into the proposals. Both organisations want EU politicians to steer clear of knee-jerk new gun controls that will…
Shooters urged to lobby MEPs about EU Firearms Directive
FACE UK is calling on shooters to make their voices heard by contacting their MEPs to register their opinions on proposed changes to the European Firearms Directive. Plans to tighten European gun laws were brought forward by the European Commission following two separate terrorist attacks in Paris last year. Fears…
Shooting groups help shape EU firearms review
BASC and the Countryside Alliance (CA) have argued for a review of proposed changes to the European Firearms Directive, in a recent meeting with MEP Vicky Ford, who is leading the European Parliament’s scrutiny of the proposals. Plans to tighten European gun laws were made following the shootings at the Charlie…
MPs complain about forking out £4 for venison pie
For the rest of us, enjoying a serving of game pie in a central London restaurant with a view of the River Thames would set us back about £15-£20. At least. But MPs in the House of Commons aren’t happy about the price of venison pie in their staff canteen…
Labour failing to attract rural dwellers warns report
Tim Bonner, Chief Executive of the Countryside Alliance commented on Twitter: Hope Labour reacts to this by increasing engagement with rural people, not ignoring them https://t.co/is3d3XCtBO pic.twitter.com/QiAMdrOvXK — Tim Bonner (@CA_TimB) January 21, 2016 In a further statement to Shooting UK, Tim Bonner added: “The last election saw the countryside…
Government publishes Hen Harrier Joint Action Plan
It makes six recommendations to help restore the population of Britain’s endangered hen harriers, including the controversial brood management measures. It proposes to monitor hen harrier numbers in the UK via satellite tagging and tracking, to share best practice with land managers and gamekeepers, to encourage the provision of food…
There is “more lead in beer than game meat,” say MPs
In a debate on lead ammunition in the House of Commons last month, Rishi Sunak, Conservative MP for Richmond, commented: “The average consumer is exposed to 60 per cent more lead from their consumption of beer. Products contributing more lead to our diets than game meat include potatoes, coffee and even everyday eggs.…