The last Government decided, before publishing its consultation in 2023, to not to seek views on recommendations to align shotgun and firearms legislation. This decision was on the basis that shotguns are already subject to significant controls and have important uses in farming and leisure pursuits. 

Laws have made a distinction between shotguns and other firearms since legislation was introduced in the 1920 Firearms Act, shotguns are already subject to strict and rigorous controls – as it’s important to uphold public safety - however additional controls are unnecessary and would negatively impact their legitimate use. 

Entertaining this idea is a further example of the Government, failing to recognise the needs of rural communities and disregarding the character of those places.

You can watch a clip of my intervention on the debate in Westminster Hall on this matter here.