New laws regarding postage of firearms and component parts

[RichardH]

That makes a refreshing change

Threat to shooting businesses lifted

Friday, 01 July 2005

The Countryside Alliance welcomes today’s decision by Postcomm not to prohibit the transport of firearms in the post. Royal Mail wanted to refuse to carry firearms and component parts but Postcomm, the independent regulator for postal services, refused to allow this due to a lack of sufficient evidence to support the proposal.

If Royal Mail had its way, legitimate businesses and individuals would have been penalised without any tangible effect on illegal gun crime. Despite support from the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Gun Control Network, Postcomm maintained that it was an evidence-based organisation, commenting: 'Postcomm was concerned not to let undefined threats about gun crime and terrorism impinge upon the rights of legitimate gun dealers and traders.

This decision affects those dealing with ornaments, replicas, starting pistols and toys, but it also means that there would be no new restriction on the posting of component parts such as trigger mechanisms, springs, bolts and barrels. This could have had serious ramifications for shooters and gun repair businesses.

Alliance Campaigns Director Robert Gray said: 'It comes as a breath of fresh air to have an emotive issue judged using evidence - or in this case a lack of it. The Countryside Alliance supports every effort to tackle illegal gun crime but in this case the Royal Mail proposals would have simply penalised law abiding citizens, not criminals. Much of the credit for this decision must go to the Gun Trade Association and the Shooting Sports Trust, particularly John Batley who works tirelessly behind the scenes."
Ends…

And BASC said........

[Dave.]

Good news, for once common sense prevails.

[robinghewitt]

Isn't it nice to see a sensible decision just once in a blue moon

[Cheeto]

BASC said....what ?

[mickyh]

Eh-What-Come on Man- tell us---Quick!

[Sid]

BASC said....what ?

BASC won't have said anything, because it doesn't affect their members rights to dress up in 1930's style plus-fours and shoot at pheasants with £5k shotguns, and is therefore irrelevant to them

[franktheferret]

Phwoooah, what? I should say not! Chap has his guns brought round, doesn't he?. Chap doesn't buy a gun to have it delivered by some sort of postal wallah. Next thing you know, they'll be wanting payment or some such rubbish on the doorstep. Before you know it, old chap, that car dealer bloke down the road might get one through the post an' start shootin' hares, and then there would we be?

[RichardH]

So no-one knows BASC's point then

[Landswehr]

I would guess BASC had nothing to do with it.

But then I would say that, having been on the receiving end of their rapid inaction service.