Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 71
71
Rejected
We recommend that the UK Government make the the legislation related to shotgun licences consistent...
Recommendation
We recommend that the UK Government make the the legislation related to shotgun licences consistent with legislation related to firearms and air weapon licences. We recommend that the UK Government change shotgun licence legislation to require people applying for shotgun licences to demonstrate that they are ‘fit to be entrusted’ with shotguns, and to provide character references from two referees. 175 Q116 176 Q197 177 Q118 178 Q118 179 Q157 24 Firearms licensing regulations in Scotland 4 Medical assessments
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.