Northumberland Conservatives warn shotgun licensing changes would damage rural economy

The Home Office has indicated that it intends to make changes to the licensing system, with a consultation due to be published shortly.

MPs recently took to debating a petition signed by more than 120,000 people opposing plans to subject shotguns to the same licensing rules as rifles, which are more tightly controlled than shotguns.

Local Conservative councillors met with Mo Metcalf-Fisher and Johnnie Furse from the Countryside Alliance who are lobbying against the changes.

They have warned the financial and logistical burden on gun owners and traders would be substantial and cause significant damage to the rural economy, conservation efforts and communities across the country and especially in more remote areas.

Northumberland Conservatives chairman Guy Renner-Thompson said: “Shooting is a big part of rural life here. During the game shooting season thousands of people go out either with gun in hand, beating, picking up or working as game keepers. That keeps our most remote pubs, hotels and garages open during the winter months and prevents a lot of social isolation. There are gunsmiths, shops and clay grounds across the county, including Bywell Shooting Ground which is hosting one of the English clay shooting championships this year.

“If the licencing changes go through, many law-abiding shotgun owners will give up their guns in the face of crippling bureaucracy and extra costs, and this fragile part of the rural economy will be destroyed.”

The Home Office has stated: “The Government recognises that shotguns and firearms are used for a range of legitimate purposes, such as target shooting and hunting, and the vast majority are used safely and responsibly. We also recognise that shooting contributes to the rural economy.

“The Government is, however, mindful that legally held shotguns have been used in a number of homicides and other incidents in recent years. It is for this reason that we committed to having a public consultation on strengthening the licensing controls on shotguns, to bring them more into line with controls on other firearms in the interests of public safety.

“We intend to publish the consultation shortly. No decisions have yet been made on whether and what changes might be necessary. We will consider carefully the views put forward.”

North Northumberland MP David Smith, speaking in Parliament, added: "I recognise that the debate comes in the context of some terrible tragedies, including one in Plymouth several years ago, as well as those in Skye and elsewhere.

"I want to make it clear that I am not opposed to tight gun controls; in fact, I am very in favour of them, and one of the great strengths of our country, when we compare ourselves with other developed nations, is how we approach gun control.

"Our thoughts are absolutely with those affected by these tragedies, but I would be grateful if the Government at least provided an exemption for farmers, and possibly others, from the merging of section 1 and 2 licences, if it does go ahead.”

He added: “There is no evidence base to suggest that it is farmers or agricultural workers whom we need to be worried about.”