Minister of State (): I have
today launched a public consultation to seek views on a range of
firearms safety issues.
The firearms laws in this country are among the toughest in the
world and the Government keeps them under constant review to
ensure they continue to safeguard the public.
While lawful shooting is well regulated and generally safe, there
remains a risk of firearms falling into the hands of criminals,
or in the case of air weapons, being misused. The Government is
therefore consulting on how to reduce these risks in certain
areas of firearms control where concerns have been raised with us
by law enforcement and others.
This consultation looks at how we might address the potential
threat posed by high muzzle energy rifles through enhanced
security arrangements to reduce the risk of them falling into the
wrong hands.
We are seeking views on improving the controls on air weapons,
including safe storage. This follows on from a Home Office review
of the regulation of air weapons initiated after the tragic death
of 13-year old Benjamin Wragge, who was killed accidentally with
an air weapon in 2016.
Views are also sought on how we might address vulnerabilities
presented by the current exemption from licensing that applies to
miniature rifle ranges, and whether to make it an offence to
possess component parts of ammunition with intent to unlawfully
manufacture complete rounds
The consultation will end on 16 February 2021.
