Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 69
69
Rejected
Rt Hon.
Conclusion
Rt Hon. Chris Philp MP, Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire for the Home Office, stated that “the test is set differently … [because] there are many people particularly in rural communities, and including across Scotland as much as anywhere else, where the possession and use of shotguns are part of rural life”.176 However, Superintendent Duncan stated that the requirements for shotgun licences ought to be the same as for firearms and air weapons, as this would make the process “consistent and clear for everyone”.177 He said that “I struggle to see why there would need to be that difference”178 between requirements for different types of weapon. Keith Brown MSP, Cabinet Minister for Justice for the Scottish Government, stated that “It is not immediately obvious to me why we should have different criteria for issuing those licences”.179
Government Response Summary
The government has decided not to proceed with the recommendations made to align shotgun and firearms legislation, citing public safety balanced with the fact that most licensed firearms holders are law abiding and the importance of shotguns for farmers and rural pursuits.
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
The Committee recommended changes to legislation to align the requirements for shotguns and firearms. Public safety is our priority, but the measures to manage the risk to public safety must be proportionate and balanced with the fact that the vast majority of licensed firearms holders are law abiding and cause no concern. It is for this reason that the Government has decided not to proceed with the recommendations made to align shotgun and firearms legislation. Shotguns are already subject to significant controls on their use and they are important in helping farmers control vermin on their land and in rural pursuits. We will keep this under review, but we are concerned that additional controls on shotguns are unnecessary and would have a negative impact on their legitimate use.