Posted on 05/10/2008 10:14:09 AM PDT by Daniel Bliss
Summit proposes pilot airgun scheme as Home Office called on to revise gun laws
Police, gun control campaigners and shooting representatives met yesterday to discuss how to tackle the misuse of firearms.
Chaired by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill, the firearms summit was organised in the wake of increasing public concern about the misuse of weapons, including airguns. Participants included Deputy Chief Constable Kevin Mathieson, firearms licensing lead from the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, and other representatives of police, local government, prosecution and shooting interests.
One of the ideas to come out of yesterday’s meeting was to pilot a licensing scheme for buying airguns. Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said after the meeting that all those attending had agreed that Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, whose department handles gun law for all of the UK, should revise gun laws. The scheme would be dependent on legislation for which Westminster is responsible.
First Minister Alex Salmond described existing firearms legislation as “a guddle”. Laws had been amended and extended over 40 years and what was now needed was “an unambiguous, modern and enforceable system that protects the people of Scotland”.
He added: "It is the duty of any Government to safeguard its people. That's why we have sought the removal of Westminster reservation on firearms to allow us to legislate for Scotland. Home Office refusal will not stop us from taking a constructive approach.”
The Home Office believes that it would be confusing and potentially damaging to have different laws operating in Scotland and England.
The Scottish legislature is pushing for this because of the murder of Andrew Morton in 2005, who was shot in Glasgow by a junkie with an air-rifle: Life for airgun sniper who killed toddler (However, 13 years is hardly a life sentence).
Obviously, a tragic incident, but the proposed licensing system would not have prevented it.
When you have to beg yo own an air rifle - you are a slave...
What gives?
Where’s the logic?
No matter how many new gun laws are enacted, no matter what restrictions are continually increased on the shrinking number of legal firearm owners, gun violence does not abate.
Gun laws don’t work.
So, aren’t the people of Great Britain supposed to be bright? Where’s the IQ? Who thinks over there?
Why the mass madness?
Besides, it’s time for Scotland to succede and become an independent republic.
Yours truly,
The Woim
Indeed.
This from the land of William Wallace and Raibeart Bruis.
It’s only a matter of time before everything in the UK will have to be made of baby safe Nerf.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.