If this is the case ref the docs cert, why aren't basc/NGO making a stink over it....limp wristed!
They did, but the HO simply ignored them.
The "consultation" process for proposed firearms restrictions is faithfully lobbied by shooting organisations and individuals, but has very little apparent effect on HO decisions.
Not only are proposed restrictions usually implemented with little or no amendment, but they are often implemented with unresolved issues - such as, in this case, the lack of any direction over the question of who pays for doctors' certificates.
One would almost imagine that the process of drafting firearms law amendments was driven by an agenda to make shooting sports so expensive and restricted that they eventually wither away.
p.s. The HO has already moved onto drafting new repressive conditions for:
- high muzzle energy rifles
- licensing of small bore ranges
- age limits on use of air rifles (see associated press propaganda)
- further licensing and legal liabilities for reloading (inc proposal to create offence of "intending" to load ammunition for illegal purposes*)
These are riddled with issues that, once again, look like being ignored by the HO.
p.p.s. Yet another tranche of restrictions also lined up - this time removing a number of calibres from the "obsolete calibre list". Widely predicted punishment of the law-abiding because of the actions of criminals, etc.
This is nasty one which includes several severe problems as yet unanswered by the HO, such as:
- thousands of unlicensed antiques will now become Sect5 (or 7.x); will the owners receive licenses for these?
- thousands of affected firearms are not in proof or cannot be proofed; will there be proof exemption?
- there are £m worth of affected firearms for which sale, trade or giving will be severely curtailed; who will compensate the owners' losses? (Rhetorical question)
- Sect5/7 has severe ownership, transport, security and location conditions; how are thousands of owners - many non-shooters with no firearms security - expected to deal with all this?
- etc.
Plenty more to come..
*sounds innocuous, ie that criminals will be prevented from loading ammo, but also would potentially have the effect of criminalising lawful gun owners - e.g. if you happen to have more empty cases and components which - if loaded - would put you over your "permitted to hold" figure.
