Local MP Blackford welcomes review of firearms licensing rules

Ross, Skye and Lochaber MP Ian Blackford has welcomed a Scottish Affairs Select Committee report which calls for major changes to gun control measures in the UK.

 

The MP, who lives on Skye, urged a review of firearms licensing regulations following the tragic death of local man John MacKinnon back in August.

 

The Scottish Affairs Committee - a cross-party group of MPs - considered evidence from a number of parties, including Police Scotland, the Gun Control Network, the Law Society of Scotland and local community representatives.

 

It concluded that several aspects of the current licensing system should be reviewed and, among other measures, has recommended that the UK Government reviews the processes for raising concerns about people who own, or are applying to own firearms (for example, if that person develops mental ill health); reviews the process by which applicants gather character references for firearms licences; and introduces a

 

two-tier system of firearms licence costs.

 

Mr Blackford said the current requirement of the applicant self-selecting two referees is not fit for purpose.

 

'An urgent review is needed where - amongst other considerations - the views of existing and former conjugal partners must be taken into account,' he added.

 

'The public must also be reassured over reporting concerns to the police and I welcome the focus on this in the report. The system of GP flagging and the provision of

 

mental health support also needs urgent review.

 

'I am sure the public will also be concerned that the cost of processing firearms licences is considerably in excess of the cost of the licence. An initial application costs £88, with the fee for a renewal being £62.

 

'This comes nowhere near the cost of processing which can be over £500. In essence, the police budget and ultimately the cost borne by tax payers is subsidising gun owners. This cannot be right.

 

'I welcome the recommendation of a two tier system where those obtaining a licence for leisure purposes pay full fees whilst those that have a working requirement for a licence face lower costs.'

 

Mr Blackford went on to say that authorities must also revisit the loophole that means that shotgun license holders do not have to demonstrate that they are ‘fit to be entrusted’ as is the case for firearms.

 

'I am grateful that the Scottish Affairs select committee responded to my request in agreeing to launch an enquiry,' said Mr Blackford.

 

'Members have worked at pace and collegiately in publishing today’s report and I agree

 

wholeheartedly with all of the recommendations the committee have made to the UK Government.

 

'When Parliament returns from the Christmas recess I look forward to engaging in debate with the UK Government to ensure that all appropriate legislative changes are made to the licensing regime with the intention of enhancing public safety and security.

 

'We collectively owe it to the public in Skye and elsewhere to reflect on gun licensing and put into effect appropriate enhancements to the licensing regime.'

 

The Scottish Affairs Committee acknowledges in its report that the Skye shooting in the summer is being considered by the courts and is therefore subject to ‘subjudice’ considerations.

 

Therefore, to avoid prejudicing the decision of the court, it is not discussed further in the committee’s report.

 

The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner for Scotland is investigating the response to the incident. At the time of writing, the report resulting from this inquiry had not been published.