BASC initiates legal action against the NI Department of Justice

BASC has begun legal proceedings against the Department of Justice (DoJ) in Northern Ireland, by issuing a Pre-Action Protocol (PAP) letter regarding its public consultation on plans to increase all firearms licensing fees by 153 per cent and to make changes to the banded system. 

The firearms licensing consultation was launched on 30 March and would see the cost of a firearm certificate rise from £98 to £250.

By issuing a PAP letter, BASC has taken the first step towards a Judicial Review of the DoJ’s handling of the matter.  This action follows a letter from BASC to the DoJ on 20 April, which set out our concerns regarding the lawfulness of the consultation. The DoJ has failed to respond despite multiple reminders.

BASC’s Northern Ireland director Tommy Mayne said: “We are opposed to any increase in fees without a full, independent, transparent review of the necessary processes within firearms licensing. In our letter to the DoJ on 20 April we highlighted significant flaws in the public consultation which may render it unlawful.  Despite the seriousness of the concerns raised, the department has chosen not to respond to our letter.

“BASC is therefore left with no alternative but to initiate legal action on behalf of its members because they deserve clarity, fairness, and a proper consultation process.  We will continue to robustly challenge any attempt by government to introduce policies or legislation that are not evidence based.”