Changes to firearms legislation must be evidence-based, BASC tells Home Office

BASC has submitted its response to the “most important” consultation on firearms ownership in 35 years.

The association is urging members and the wider shooting community to follow its lead to ensure the shooting community has a voice in decisions that will have an impact for decades to come.

People have until 23 August to have their say on the Home Office’s consultation on recommendations for changes to firearms licensing.

In its response, BASC has said any changes to firearms legislation must be evidence-based. And while it welcomed many of the proposals contained within it, such as mandatory involvement of GPs and the review of the length of a certificate, there are proposals to which it is opposed.

BASC’s director of firearms, Bill Harriman, said: “Make no mistake, this is the most significant and most important firearms licensing consultation in 35 years. It is absolutely essential that members of the shooting community respond and feed in their views.

“Our consultation response goes into considerable depth to address each of the questions.

“We have had our say and now it’s your turn. It is vitally important that people don’t simply sit back and assume the hard work has been done. We have provided the Home Office with the answers but we need you to help ensure the voice of shooting is heard loud and clear.

“We are almost halfway through the eight-week consultation window. If you have not yet done so, please take just a few minutes to have your say.”

BASC’s consultation response can be found here.

BASC has created a guidance sheet on BASC positions on each question of the consultation.