The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has launched a white paper entitled ‘Extending the duration of firearm and shotgun certificates’, calling for the introduction of 10-year certificates.
The paper was launched at a meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Shooting and Conservation in parliament on Tuesday 8 September.
The white paper reviews the firearms licensing system, identifying problems with service, burden on the police and adverse implications to public safety. The paper recommends a phased introduction of 10-year certificates as a means of reducing the burden on police forces and improving service levels.
In the document chief constable Andy Marsh, national lead for firearms in the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) gives his qualified approval of the suggested extension to certificates: “There is an opportunity, with appropriate supporting developments to deliver 10-year certification without compromising on public safety and on that basis I will work towards that end in support of BASC’s proposal.”
Alan Jarrett, chairman of BASC said: “The firearms licensing system is one of the foundations of British shooting sports. BASC is at the forefront of thinking on the development of the licensing regime and I recommend this white paper to government and the police. The political window of opportunity is now and shouldn’t be missed.”
Peter Glenser, BASC council member and barrister specialising in firearms law added: “Extending the length of the firearms certificates to ten years will remove the pressures, burdens, peaks and troughs within the system which should ensure greater efficiency, better service and with it; the improvement of public safety.”
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