Dear All
I am attaching two letters I have today sent to MPs and Cllrs - Please feel free to use/circulate if you think it will do any good. There has been issued today a Government response to the recent epetition which will be used a the stock response.
If you think my letters are any good then bump the thread to keep it at the top.
You can get details of your MP etc at www.WriteToThem.com
Here are my letters:-
Labour MP
I am writing in relation to the forthcoming Olympics in 2012 and issues to do with the shooting disciplines.
I have been a member of club and have been actively involved in competitive target shooting for over 20 years. During the time I have been involved in the sport there has been legislative change primarily following instances of appalling crimes (Hungerford and Dunblane) carried out by persons in legal possession of Registered firearms.
Such crimes, as with any violent offence, are horrific and sickening and I am not writing rehearsing arguments as to the appropriateness of the legislation in the first place. I am raising issues to do with the practical effect and application of the current legislation, particularly in the context of the 2012 Olympic Games.
The Olympic shooting disciplines have two events which are of significance and in which we have the potential to challenge at the top level, 25m Rapid Fire and 50m Free Pistol. These are both shot to ISSF standards and require the use of .22 LR calibre pistols. As an example, Mick Gault (a pistol shooter) is England's most successful commonwealth games competitor. He used to compete in .22 LR pistol events.
There are other team members who, in my opinion, have the ability to challenge at the top level but will not have the opportunity as they are not permitted to hold or use such pistols in the UK.
Some have chosen to train abroad but, as you can imagine, this is totally cost prohibitive to all but a very few, and in any event is totally inappropriate preparation for a "Blue Riband" event such as the 2012 Olympics particularly given that this is one in which we will be hosting the games. Competitors will have major problems such as access to regular training and squad coaches by any other method other than UK based training.
If you are not aware, The Conservative party brought in legislation after Dunblane, banning larger calibre centre fire pistols and allowing the possession of .22 LR pistols but under very strict control. Labour then came to power and then introduced an amendment (Firearms (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1997) which banned the possession of .22 LR pistols and our ability to compete in these disciplines. My understanding is that an outright ban on all .22LR pistols was not recommended by Lord Cullen (Cullen enquiry).
This puts us at an immediate disadvantage for the 2012 Games in that we will be excluded from all .22 LR calibre pistol disciplines.
If our squad is to be allowed to compete please provide your clarification as to how the team will train in the meantime so that they will not be disadvantaged.
First, I assume that the usual shooting disciplines will be included and if so confirm how and why competitors from other countries will be permitted to use pistols. Please confirm the reason, if distinction is to be made between UK and non-national competitors, for such distinction.
Second, please confirm whether you would give your support to some form of legislation change or relaxation to allow the UK to compete in these disciplines (25m Rapid Fire and 50m Free Pistol etc).
Third, my further concern is that, as my understanding is, and I hope that I am wrong, there is proposal for a purpose built shooting centre to be constructed at a cost of in the region of £18-20 million (maybe more) but the facility will then be pulled down after the games. Please correct me if I am wrong. If I am not wrong in my understanding please explain how this represents a good use of taxpayers money? We already have world class facilities at the National Centre at Bisley!
I wait anxiously for your reply. Change needs to happen urgently if the UK Pistol squad are to have any chance of competing in .22LR disciplines in the forthcoming Games.
Yours etc
Local Cllr
I am writing in relation to the forthcoming Olympics in 2012 and issues to do with the shooting disciplines.
I have been a member of club and have been actively involved in competitive target shooting for over 20 years. During the time I have been involved in the sport there has been legislative change primarily following instances of appalling crimes (Hungerford and Dunblane) carried out by persons in legal possession of Registered firearms.
Such crimes, as with any violent offence, are horrific and sickening and I am not writing rehearsing arguments as to the appropriateness of the legislation in the first place. I am raising issues to do with the practical effect and application of the current legislation, particularly in the context of the 2012 Olympic Games.
The Olympic shooting disciplines have two events which are of significance and in which we have the potential to challenge at the top level, 25m Rapid Fire and 50m Free Pistol. These are both shot to ISSF standards and require the use of .22 LR calibre pistols. As an example, Mick Gault (a pistol shooter) is England's most successful commonwealth games competitor. He used to compete in .22 LR pistol events.
There are other team members who, in my opinion, have the ability to challenge at the top level but will not have the opportunity as they are not permitted to hold or use such pistols in the UK.
Some have chosen to train abroad but, as you can imagine, this is totally cost prohibitive to all but a very few, and in any event is totally inappropriate preparation for a "Blue Riband" event such as the 2012 Olympics particularly given that this is one in which we will be hosting the games. Competitors will have major problems such as access to regular training and squad coaches by any other method other than UK based training.
If you are not aware, The Conservative party brought in legislation after Dunblane, banning larger calibre centre fire pistols and allowing the possession of .22 LR pistols but under very strict control. Labour then came to power and then introduced an amendment (Firearms (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1997) which banned the possession of .22 LR pistols outright and our ability to compete in these disciplines. My understanding is that an outright ban on all .22LR pistols was not recommended by Lord Cullen (Cullen enquiry).
This puts us at an immediate disadvantage for the 2012 Games in that we will be excluded from all .22 LR calibre pistol disciplines.
I have written to (replace with labour mp written to) for clarification on whether and how our squad shooters may be permitted to compete and I await a reply. If our squad is to be allowed to compete they will need proper access to squad coaches and the team will train in the meantime so that they will not be disadvantaged.
I am concerned about responses that I have had from the Labour party in the past. Between now and the next Olympics there will be an election. If I vote for your party at the next election and you are voted into power will you promise to support the repeal of the No2 Amendment to the Firearms Act 1997? This will restore .22LR pistols as the Conservative party had intended before the Labour party were voted in, and will enable us to have viable Olympic and Commonwealth Games Pistol teams who able to train in this country.
My further concern is that, as my understanding is, and I hope that I am wrong, there is proposal for a purpose built shooting centre to be constructed at a cost of in the region of £18-20 million (maybe more) but the facility will then be pulled down after the games. I may be wrong and correct me if I am. If I am not wrong in my understanding please would you do all you can to raise questions in the House of Commons as to this and whether this represents a good use of taxpayers money? We already have world class facilities at the National Centre at Bisley but the Labour party are choosing not to use them! If you are not able to help would you please refer me to the person in your party who can assist.
I wait anxiously for your reply. Change needs to happen urgently if the UK Pistol squad are to have any chance of competing in .22LR disciplines in the forthcoming Games.
Yours etc
Please lobby your MP and anyone else you can thnk of.
I hope my letters are of some help.
Regards
South