BASC briefs MPs at APPG ahead of firearms licensing debate

BASC was in Parliament this week supporting the work of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Shooting and Conservation, briefing MPs ahead of the forthcoming debate on the petition against subjecting shotguns to the same rules as rifles for firearms licensing.

The meeting was an important opportunity to ensure parliamentarians were fully informed ahead of the Westminster Hall debate on proposals that could significantly affect lawful shotgun ownership. MPs from Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats and Plaid Cymru have confirmed they will be speaking in the debate against the government’s proposals, underlining the strength of cross-party concern on this issue.

Jeremy Hinde, secretary of the British Shooting Sports Council (BSSC), attended to provide technical and policy insight on behalf of the wider shooting community. The discussion focused on ensuring MPs understood the real-world implications of merging the two licensing regimes.

The APPG meeting also formally welcomed Lord Glasman as the new co-chair of the group, strengthening its cross-party representation and continued engagement with government on issues affecting shooting and conservation.

As the organisation providing the APPG’s secretariat, BASC plays a central role in facilitating dialogue between parliamentarians and the shooting community, helping to ensure that decisions affecting lawful firearms ownership are informed by facts, expertise and rural experience.

BASC’s political affairs manager, Jak Abrahams, said: “Ahead of the Westminster Hall debate on proposals to merge section 2 shotguns with section 1 firearms, it is vital that MPs understand what this would mean for the people and communities who depend on lawful shotgun ownership every day. This includes farmers, land managers, pest controllers and gamekeepers who use shotguns as essential tools of the trade, and the rural jobs and conservation work that depend on them. BASC will continue to brief MPs from across the political spectrum to ensure the debate is informed by evidence and by the voices of those who live and work in rural communities every day.”