In January I was approached by a constituent who was concerned that this Government was planning to consult and consider changed to the licensing regime for shotguns. Currently shotgun’s are licensed with a Section 2 certificate. Rifles are licensed using a Section 1 certificate, which is more onerous and expensive to apply for. If the two are combined, many in the shooting and game industry expect shotgun ownership to fall off a cliff. There would be huge cost to gun making industry, farming, clay pigeon shooting schools, and the rural economy generally. The notion that tougher shotgun licensing may improve public safety is unfounded. In February I held an event in Otley for residents who wanted to voice their concern about this consultation. It was a useful meeting, and signalled the start of a wider campaign to stop this Government making another terrible decision not in the interest of rural communities.
