Law Commission firearms report is to be commended but further law reform is needed

The Countryside Alliance welcomes the Law Commission report released today (16 December), which proposes a number of reforms to existing firearms' law - http://www.lawcom.gov.uk/project/firearms/

The report addresses the need for definitions of 'lethality', 'component part' and what constitutes an 'antique firearm'. It also proposes amendments to address weaknesses in the existing law in relation to deactivation of firearms and offences connected to attempts at reactivation, whether of a firearm previously deactivated, or conversion of an imitation firearm. The proposals take account of recent changes in European law as well as technical developments since the current legislation was passed.

Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, said: "The Law Commission is to be congratulated on the thoroughness of its work. The report is measured and considered and has clearly taken into account the views of stakeholders.

"We share the Law Commission's view that there is a need for codification and clarification of existing firearms legislation, which is currently scattered across 34 different acts.

"The Countryside Alliance has worked closely with the Law Commission throughout this consultation process and will continue to do so in any future review of firearms law. We believe a number of other important legal changes could be made, which would benefit shooters without compromising public safety, such as the extension of the life of existing certificates to 10 years and amending the "borrowed shotgun" exemption."