Home Office review of airgun legislation - consultation ends 6 February

Home Office review of airgun legislation - consultation ends 6 February

The Home Office is currently reviewing airgun legislation in England and Wales. The review, which concerns airgun security, manufacturing standards and access by young people, opened to the public on 12 December 2017 and submissions close on 6 February. BASC has responded robustly to the review and is encouraging members to submit their own views to the consultation (email link below). More information about the review can be found here We have highlighted the following points: • Current legislation already addresses the issue of storage and under-18 access • Airgun fatalities are extremely rare. The Home Office has been able to identify only four involving minors since 2005. A national licensing system would lack proportionality • Airgun manufacturers already supply products that are safe, fit for purpose and fully comply with firearm and consumer laws. If an airgun is modified without proper authority, then the person making the modifications is responsible, not the manufacturer • The police already struggle to properly service existing certificate holders and simply do not have the resources to deal with millions of additional certificates • Airgun restrictions would have unintended consequences including a collapse in sales for the trade and a loss of opportunity for young people to learn marksmanship and proper firearms handling. Restrictions could also undermine conservation efforts as airguns are used to control grey squirrel populations. Members should submit their own email responses by 6 February to [email protected] Thank you for your support.