Plymouth’s voice at risk of being drowned out by gun lobby

Plymouth’s voice at risk of being drowned out by gun lobby  

Luke Pollard MP has encouraged Plymouth residents to make their voices heard on Britain’s broken gun laws by contributing to the Home Office consultation on firearms licencing.  

The consultation is a chance for the public to express their views on proposals for reforming firearms laws, taken from the coroner’s report into the Keyham tragedy.  

Sports shooting groups have encouraged their members to contribute to the consultation. Luke said that it is important that the views of those affected by gun violence are also heard.  

Several of the coroner’s recommendations have been omitted from the consultation after being rejected by the government last month. Luke criticised the government’s decision not to adopt the coroner’s recommendations in full.   

Notably, the government rejected the coroner’s calls to strengthen shotguns licensing, claiming that “shotguns are already subject to significant controls” and citing “negative impact” on farmers. 

Individuals and organisations have until 23rd August 2023 to submit to the consultation. 

Luke Pollard, Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said:  

“Britain’s gun laws are broken. The government must fix them to stop a tragedy like Keyham and Ford’s from ever happening again.

“For two years I have campaigned with Keyham family members for tougher gun laws, and it was extremely disappointing that the government rejected several of the coroner’s recommendations.

“The government must throw its weight behind the coroner’s remaining proposals, but Plymouth’s voice is at risk of being drowned out by the gun lobby. So please join me in sharing your views with the Home Office consultation.”

The Home Office’s consultation on firearms licensing is open until 23 August 2023 and accessible here:
 https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/firearms-licensing-recommendations-for-changes/firearms-licensing-a-consultation-on-recommendations-for-changes-made-to-the-home-office-accessible#recommendations-for-changes-to-legislation