General News
Firearms Licensing – Statement from the Minister and Public Consultation
Firearms Licensing – Statement from the Minister and Public Consultation
Chris Philp MP, Minister of State for Crime, Policing and Fire has today made a Written Statement on Firearms Licensing in response to recommendations arising from the horrific murders in Plymouth and the Isle of Skye.
The Minister stated “While public safety is, of course, our chief concern, it is also right that our approach should reflect the fact that the vast majority of licensed firearms holders are law abiding and cause no concern”. He and the Home Office deserve due credit for maintaining this balanced approach when considering recommendations that could have severe consequences for the shooting community.
The announcements of funding for a new mandatory national training package for police firearms teams, and the decision not to proceed with recommendations to align shotgun and firearms legislation, are both welcome.
The statement also refers to the current review of firearms licensing fees to move to full cost recovery for the police. I am working with other shooting organisations to ensure the new fees offer fair value and are justified by accurate data; however they will increase significantly from the current levels set in 2016.
The Minister announced the launch of a Public Consultation on recommendations for changes to Firearms legislation, the main subjects being:-
- Legislative presumption in favour of granting a firearm or shotgun certificate;
- A power of immediate seizure of firearms, shotguns and ammunition;
- Mandatory prohibitions; and
- Length of certificate renewed before renewal required
The deadline for responses is Wednesday 23 August 2023; we will publish the NRA’s response in July.
The Statement from the Minister can be found https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2023-06-29/hcws895
The Public Consultation can be found https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/firearms-licensing-recommendations-for-changes
Andrew Mercer
Secretary General
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General News
Vacancy – Secretary of the British Shooting Sports Council
The NRA is a member of the British Shooting Sports Council (“BSSC”) along with other major shooting organisations including the CPSA, NSRA, BASC, CA and GTA.
BSSC is actively engaged in promoting and defending shooting sports at national and international levels.
BSSC’s excellent Secretary Graham Downing is retiring later this year, so we are seeking candidates to take on this important position. The Secretary’s role is part-time and remunerated.
For further details about the role of BSSC Secretary please contact NRA Secretary General Andrew Mercer by email Andrew.mercer@nra.org.uk with a brief introduction explaining why you are interested in this challenging and interesting position.
Further details can be found on the BSSC website http://www.bssc.org.uk; for the BSSC Annual Report 2023 [click here]
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General News
Accommodation still available
There is accommodation still available in the Bunkabins for the Imperial Meeting.
Book via our accommodation website: www.thepavilionbisley.com or phone us at 01483 798810.
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Competitions
Welsh Open 2018
Welsh Open and Closed 2018 is open for entries.
https://www.shootingcompetitions.org
A full HM Queens’ course of fire on the afternoon of the 25th August and full day on 26th August, with MR on Monday 27th August.
Don’t delay and enter now!
Entries close on Monday 20th August.
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