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Proposed shotgun licensing changes 'ill-conceived' and 'attacks' the rural way of life

Rural campaigners have warned that proposed changes to shotgun and firearms licences would be yet another attack on rural Britain and countryside traditions by the Government

Chris Brayford
clock 鈥� 9 min read
Stephen Jolly, chief executive at the Gun Trade Association, said: "The UK's current licensing system is already regarded internationally as one of the most stringent and effective in the world. This proposal does not improve safety 鈥� it penalises law-abiding certificate holders and threatens the livelihoods of thousands working in and around the shooting sports sector. If our industry remains silent, we risk losing not only business, but an important part of our heritage, community, and way of life."
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Stephen Jolly, chief executive at the Gun Trade Association, said: "The UK's current licensing system is already regarded internationally as one of the most stringent and effective in the world. This proposal does not improve safety 鈥� it penalises law-abiding certificate holders and threatens the livelihoods of thousands working in and around the shooting sports sector. If our industry remains silent, we risk losing not only business, but an important part of our heritage, community, and way of life."

Campaigners have warned proposed changes to shotgun and firearms licensing could be one of the most 'significant and damaging' threats to rural businesses, countryside pursuits and the associated shooting...

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