Proposed shotgun licensing changes 'ill-conceived' and 'attacks' the rural way of life

Rural campaigners have warned that proposed changes to shotgun and firearms licences would be yet another attack on rural Britain and countryside traditions by the Government

Chris Brayford
clock • 8 min read
Stephen Jolly, chief executive at the Gun Trade Association, said: "The UK's current licensing system is already regarded internationally as one of the most stringent and effective in the world. This proposal does not improve safety — it penalises law-abiding certificate holders and threatens the livelihoods of thousands working in and around the shooting sports sector. If our industry remains silent, we risk losing not only business, but an important part of our heritage, community, and way of life."
Image:

Stephen Jolly, chief executive at the Gun Trade Association, said: "The UK's current licensing system is already regarded internationally as one of the most stringent and effective in the world. This proposal does not improve safety — it penalises law-abiding certificate holders and threatens the livelihoods of thousands working in and around the shooting sports sector. If our industry remains silent, we risk losing not only business, but an important part of our heritage, community, and way of life."

Countryside campaigners have warned proposed changes to shotgun and firearms licensing could be one of the most 'significant and damaging' threats on rural businesses and the associated shooting industries...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

 

More on Politics

Labour backbenchers stand with farmers by sending Rachel Reeves clear statement on 'unfair' and 'unjust' IHT proposals

Labour backbenchers stand with farmers by sending Rachel Reeves clear statement on 'unfair' and 'unjust' IHT proposals

After 13 months of farmer-led campaigning against Inheritance Tax changes, a wall of silence from Labour MPs could finally have crumbled regarding the morality of the changes on farmer's health and well-being

Chris Brayford
clock 02 December 2025 • 4 min read
EXCLUSIVE - George Dunn on the Autumn Budget: "The Chancellor has run scared from meeting farmers and their representative bodies to debate her policies"

EXCLUSIVE - George Dunn on the Autumn Budget: "The Chancellor has run scared from meeting farmers and their representative bodies to debate her policies"

TFA chief executive George Dunn writes for Farmers Guardian on the Autumn Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves' lack of engagement with farmers, and how she can start to restore confidence in the tenant farming sector

George Dunn
clock 02 December 2025 • 4 min read
Pressure intensifies on Rachel Reeves to resign following 'dismal' Autumn Budget for farmers

Pressure intensifies on Rachel Reeves to resign following 'dismal' Autumn Budget for farmers

Reform leader Nigel Farage claims the Chancellor has 'misled' Parliament on the state of the public finances to warrant tax rises in the Budget, and thus broken the Ministerial Code

Chris Brayford
clock 02 December 2025 • 8 min read