Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Third Report - Firearms licensing regulations in Scotland
Scottish Affairs Committee
HC 710
Published 22 December 2022
Recommendations
102
Accepted
We recommend that the UK Government and Scottish Government work together either to put mental...
Recommendation
We recommend that the UK Government and Scottish Government work together either to put mental health resources like counselling in place in remote rural communities, or to ensure that mental health resources can be easily accessed in rural communities when …
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Government Response Summary
The government noted the committee's recommendation and is consulting on whether and how a similar form of leaflet on mental health could return to more in-person face to face delivery, activity can still be delivered via remote technologies and that NHS talking therapies are available on a self-referral basis.
Scotland Office
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Conclusions (3)
72
Conclusion
Accepted
Medical assessments for firearms licence holders were being carried out in Scotland for several years before they were statutorily introduced in the UK. Keith Brown MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice for the Scottish Government, stated that Police Scotland have undertaken “mental health checks… going back to 2016”180, while Rt Hon. …
Government Response Summary
The government highlighted the significant strengthening of medical checks, including the digital firearms marker in England, and stated their readiness to work with the Scottish Government if they decide to introduce the digital marker in Scotland. Also, they are consulting on the issue of mandatory GP involvement.
93
Conclusion
Accepted
Encouraging shooting organisations to have formal buddy initiatives may also create spaces in which firearms licence holders feel comfortable with discussing their mental health. This could be an important way to help improve individuals’ mental health, so that it does not become problematic for them or for public safety - …
Government Response Summary
The government has been working with the police and shooting representative bodies to bring greater definition to the role of gun club liaison officers and intends to highlight this revised role and explore whether this model might be applied more widely to other shooting clubs.
101
Conclusion
Accepted
We are concerned by the reports we heard about the impacts of fatal shootings which take place in rural communities in Scotland. It is clear to us that these communities should be provided with appropriate support where needed.
Government Response Summary
The government noted the committee's recommendation and is consulting on whether and how a similar form of leaflet on mental health could return to more in-person face to face delivery, activity can still be delivered via remote technologies and that NHS talking therapies are available on a self-referral basis.