Dear Mr Rees-Mogg,
How, Sir, might I contact you in your role as Minister for Brexit Opportunities? This United Kingdom has left the European Union yet UK REACH is proposing onerous restrictions on the use of lead shot and bullets made of, or containing, lead by British sportsmen and women.
These proposals are not for continuation of the already existing ban of lead shot for shooting ducks that has existed already in Britain for some decades. Nor for sensible proposals such as those achieved in New Zealand as below.
I beg that you look at the link where what is done in New Zealand is set out simply, set out well and is almost a model of sensible legislation. Would not that UK REACH adopt exactly the same!
Non Toxic Shot Regulations | Fish and Game
The proposals are for a total ban.
I know that you were succesfuk in seeing common sense applied to recent firearms legislation proposed by the civil servants in relation to larger calibre rifles. These new UK REACH proposals will impact far more and will be far reaching even terminal for some lawful shooting activities.
And not even (as in New Zealand) any derogation for the .410" with which so many young boys and girls have learned to shoot with alongside a parent or other family member. The proposed ban is total. For everything. Game, vermin, stalking, clay pigeon shooting. All.
UK REACH – Restriction Proposals 004 - Lead shot in ammunition - Health and Safety Executive - Citizen Space
The above starts by saying:
In the European Union (EU), a restriction has been adopted for lead in gunshot over wetlands (January 2021), and a restriction for lead in shot, bullets and fishing weights is in progress. This Annex 15 dossier prepared by HSE examines whether a similar restriction should be introduced into Great Britain (GB; England, Scotland and Wales) covering lead in ammunition in all habitats.
I would hope, Sir, that having exited the EU that this desire of some in the civil service to continue to "cut and paste" laws from an organisation we have successfully left onto the Statutes and Parliamentary Acts of the United Kingdom be rejected.
Although not a resident in your Parliamentary Constituency its is hoped that you might accept this communication in the ministerial role that you serve the country in and I look very much forward, if you wish, to further intercourse on this matter.
Yours truly,
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