UK ministers deaf to pleas for new airgun laws, claims SNP

MacAskill says campaign is response to home secretary’s refusal

By Cameron Brooks

Published:

LICENSED TO SELL: The variety of weapons on display in an airgun dealer’s. They range from telescopic rifles to pistols

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said the SNP took a tough stance on airguns after the UK Government turned a “deaf ear” to pleas for action.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith rejected a call this month to either devolve airgun legislation to Holyrood or agree to a licensing scheme for them to be piloted in Scotland.

Mr MacAskill said the Scottish Government decided to launch a campaign to rid the streets of weapons because “sitting on our hands” was not an option.

“The home secretary is not persuaded by any further change in firearm legislation at the moment and that is something we disagree with,” he added.

“We have to tackle the scourge of air weapons and, frankly, existing legislation is out of date and too confusing. Our position is: We do not care who does it, whether it is done in London or Scotland, but done it must be.”

As part of the campaign launched yesterday, adverts, posters and leaflets highlighting the consequences of using the weapons will be used across the country.

It is supported by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, Crimestoppers, Gun Control Network, Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Scottish Target Shooting Federation.

Mr MacAskill hopes the campaign will lead to people handing in weapons and a shift in cultural attitudes.

“Too many people in Scotland treat air and replica guns as toys,” he said. “The simple fact is they can cause injury and they can kill.”

A spokesman for the UK Government said it had worries about creating a situation in which firearms law in Scotland could differ from that in England and Wales.

“The government is concerned about the misuse of airguns, which is why we have strengthened controls significantly,” he added.

“It is now an offence to sell an airgun to a person under 18 or for somebody under 18 to purchase one.

“Businesses which sell airguns are required to register with the police and to keep details of all purchasers.”

Scottish Labour justice spokesman Richard Baker said the SNP should work with Westminster on the issue, not against it. However, the Liberal Democrats have called for firearms legislation to be devolved to Holyrood.

Any members of the public concerned about any weapon should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.