A consultation document was released by the government on Tuesday that is seeking input on problems with firearms law. It can be viewed by clicking here.
The Law Commission was asked to conduct this scoping exercise by the Home Office and the released document said that it has become “clear from meetings with stakeholders that the current law is unsatisfactory in a variety of different ways.”
Defined terms for words like ‘lethal’, ‘weapon’ and ‘component part’ causes problems for the police, which has led to the Commission’s view that “there is need for a wholesale reform of firearms legislation.”
Professor David Ormerod QC, Law Commissioner for criminal law, said: “The Law Commission believes there is a strong case for bringing all firearms legislation under a single Act, to clarity the law, make it easier to use and future-proof against technological change. We are asking for evidence to support this case from all those who legitimately own and use firearms, and those who investigate and prosecute their criminal use.”
The consultation closes on 21 September, responses can be sent to firearms@lawcommission.gsi.gov.uk.
Pistol target shooting of any caliber, firearms, shotgun shooting should all be on one certificate. This will cut down the amount of work the licensing authorities would have to do and re-instate full pistol shooting which will also boost the economy.
Peter Rosic
How about making gun ownership like car ownership?
If you are found to be trustworthy enough to drive a car, it doesn’t matter what kind of car you drive… if you are trustworthy enough to own a gun, it shouldn’t matter how big (or small) it is