BASC warns Minister against shotgun–firearms licensing merger

[Liveonce]

@Conor O'Gorman

Got this reply from my MP in October, as i say standard reply others got also. They will never stand against their own policy on matters of firearm ownership, they lack understanding of the current laws and the balls to stand with us.


Dear xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Thank you for your email regarding the regulation governing firearms licensing.

The Government keeps firearms licensing controls under constant review to safeguard the public against the misuse of licensed firearms. As part of this, as you are aware, in February, the Home Office announced it will be launching a consultation on whether there should be greater alignment of shotgun and firearms controls and legislation. This follows recommendations for greater alignment made by the Scottish Affairs Committee, in 2022; and subsequently, in 2023, by both the Independent Office for Police Conduct and the Senior Coroner for Plymouth, Torbay and South Devon in a Prevention of Future Deaths report.

These recommendations came after a number of tragic incidents, in which people sadly lost their lives from legally owned shotguns. As such, I believe it is right to consider whether changes should be made to better protect the public.

However, I respect that you oppose aligning the shotgun licencing regime with the stricter firearms licencing regime. I would therefore encourage you to respond to the consultation, once it opens, so you can share your views.

More widely, I want to ensure the licensing system works better. For this reason, I welcome that, earlier this year, Home Office MInisters wrote to all Police and Crime Commissioners and Chief Constables to make clear that the income from increased licensing fees must be used to support improvements in the service provided by their firearms licensing teams.

The consultation will be launched later this year, and I know from what Ministers have said that the Government will consider carefully all the submissions it receives before deciding on any next steps.

Thank you once again for contacting me.

Yours sincerely,

xxxxxxxxxxx

 

[timbrayford]

Ok. Let's start where we can bring unity then - on this forum - nobody wants the mooted changes - so let's not knock any organisations for their efforts and get behind them all. What do you think?

I think that it's untenable to rubber stamp some restrictions on our civil liberties and expect unity. In simple terms that means opposing all proposed restrictions, not cherry picking those that you approve of and those that you don't. Sorry if this has gone a country mile over your head but looking forward to BASC reconsidering its established policies.

 

[Mike L]

I emailed my MP earlier today, will share his response.

 

[muddy42]

What could a protest look like? Every joint FAC/SGC holder applying for a 1 for 1 variation at the same time?

 

[timbrayford]

What could a protest look like? Every joint FAC/SGC holder applying for a 1 for 1 variation at the same time?

Like 400, 000 others I was on the countryside march, it made no difference, protests don't.

 

[muddy42]

Like 400, 000 others I was on the countryside march, it made no difference, protests don't.

Me too. Unless you are a french farmer. Blocking motorways and spraying dung on government buildings seemed to work for them.

 

[timbrayford]

As soon as I emphasise the need for unity against all government proposals Mr Temper Tantrum has thrown his toys out of the pram and fired off yet another love letter despite being asked on numerous occasions not to. This does not bode well for a united front!

 

[Conor O'Gorman]

As soon as I emphasise the need for unity against all government proposals Mr Temper Tantrum has thrown his toys out of the pram and fired off yet another love letter despite being asked on numerous occasions not to. This does not bode well for a united front!

Perhaps drop the decades-old axe and use some of your 'forum time' to write to your MP etc like many others and let us know how you get on. I think that would be welcomed by most readers and a positive way forward.

 

[Conor O'Gorman]

Yes Conor, will do but he will wait until a standard reply is produced by central government before he sends it to me.
It will not be his own thoughts or view on the subject.

Writing to MPs on firearms ownership is never going to change anything, we may make a difference if 400,000 plus firearms owners, the trade, ranges, and clay grounds respond to the consultation.

How about a multimedia advert showing how little legal firearms are used in crime (and how the police failed regarding Plymouth) vs illegal firearms and knifes.
Then how deskilling the general population further degenerates the country’s security at time of world crisis.

Show the government, we will not giving in without a fight.

UK lacks plan to defend itself from invasion, MPs warn

A highly critical report says the UK does not have the resources it needs to deal with complex military threats.

www.bbc.co.uk

If a consultation launches, we will review what's being proposed and issue advice on responding. There will be a big campaign on this, as per Act Now in 2023.

The latest BASC updates are as follows:

BASC warns minister against shotgun–firearms licensing merger

Shooting community prepares to fight shotgun licensing changes - Shooting UK

Message to the minister

 

[Conor O'Gorman]

I emailed my MP earlier today, will share his response.

Thank you. Hopefully a few more SD members will do similar.

 

[Buchan]

I can't see what the problem is. Seemed an anomaly that one can have an unlimited number of shotguns and can transfer them at will, but th same doesn't exist with firearms, even doing a swap at an RFD. Perhaps negotiate that? (although I doubt it as it may need Firearms act amendment)

 

[Benelli m2]

It's already been decided behind closed doors ffs

 

[Liveonce]

I can't see what the problem is. Seemed an anomaly that one can have an unlimited number of shotguns and can transfer them at will, but th same doesn't exist with firearms, even doing a swap at an RFD. Perhaps negotiate that? (although I doubt it as it may need Firearms act amendment)

unlimited is stretching it a bit far. Plus please press tell what the problem is they are trying to solve?

The public safety checking part of section 1 or 2 application is exactly the same procedure.

As usual the government is just looking to do something to make their mark on firearms laws regardless of if it actually solves a problem.

 

[8x57]

I haven't read through it all but would I be correct in thinking that if this proposal does go through those of us with both firearms certificates and shotgun certificates will then only need a single certificate. All shotguns would be included on your FAC just with differing conditions applied to the shotguns?

Now that idea could save a bit of work and money on administration.

 

[Buchan]

unlimited is stretching it a bit far. Plus please press tell what the problem is they are trying to solve?

The public safety checking part of section 1 or 2 application is exactly the same procedure.

As usual the government is just looking to do something to make their mark on firearms laws regardless of if it actually solves a problem.

Because a lot of the public don't like and don't see the reason for firearms. There are no "good news" stories about firearms, just people being harmed. Given you can only shoot one gun at a time it's difficult for most people to understand why you need more than one.

 

[muddy42]

BASC met the new Policing Minister, Sarah Jones MP, to raise concerns affecting the shooting community, including a forthcoming consultation on plans to merge shotgun and firearms licensing.

BASC warns minister against shotgun–firearms licensing merger

BASC met the new Policing Minister to raise concerns around a forthcoming consultation on plans to merge shotgun and firearms licensing.

basc.org.uk

will members of the public be able to make their views known in this consultation? Ive just googled it, I can only find a consultation from 2023, that I wasn't aware of. Thanks

 

[Norfolk Deer Search]

Like 400, 000 others I was on the countryside march, it made no difference, protests don't.

Exactly this I was there too and as far as I’m concerned it was a complete waste of time got nowhere, just like emailing your MP, I’m not even going to bother because my MP is not worth contacting and neither is the answer that I will get complete waste of time I’ve got better things to do like go stalking

 

[8x57]

Exactly this I was there too and as far as I’m concerned it was a complete waste of time got nowhere, just like emailing your MP, I’m not even going to bother because my MP is not worth contacting and neither is the answer that I will get complete waste of time I’ve got better things to do like go stalking

While I agree that it's probably a complete waste of time contacting my MP, it always has been in the past, I shall persevere or he will think "that if we just ignore them they will go away".

 

[Liveonce]

will members of the public be able to make their views known in this consultation? Ive just googled it, I can only find a consultation from 2023, that I wasn't aware of. Thanks

yes it will be a public consultation, so the anti gun lot will have a lot to say as normal.

 

[Norfolk Deer Search]

While I agree that it's probably a complete waste of time contacting my MP, it always has been in the past, I shall persevere or he will think "that if we just ignore them they will go away".

Do as you please, what you also have to remember and not forget is that we as a community if you can call it back are a very minuscule bunch and whatever we say there is probably 10 fold of constituents that can vote against us, by all means shout as much as you please, but I’ll wait you it falls on deaf ears