BASC - Dismay at Lib Dems threat to young shots

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Home > Media Centre > Press Releases > Dismay at Lib Dems threat to young shots

1st April 2005……………………………………….immediate release

While welcoming the Lib Dems assurance that they have no plans to introduce further regulation on shooting, BASC is dismayed at their intention to ban anyone under 14 from shooting, or even participating in a shoot.

This flies in the face of Home Office opinion that there are positive benefits for young people to be taught to shoot in a disciplined and responsible way. It would also damage Britain’s international sporting potential; shooting has brought a string of European, Commonwealth and Olympic medals.

Shooting in the UK has an exemplary safety record and this is widely attributed to the fact that the principles of safe shooting are drummed into those who shoot from an early age.

A ban would also discriminate unfairly against those in their early teens who would, for instance, be able to catch and kill a trout but could not help at a charity clay shoot.

BASC, which represents 122,000 shooters, says it is clearly contradictory to claim that there are no plans to introduce restrictions while at the same time promising to impose a ban. And the statement that there are merely ‘no plans’ to introduce new laws does not inspire confidence. In contrast, the other major parties have given absolute assurances that shooting will not face unreasonable new restrictions.

BASC spokesman Jeffrey Olstead said; “This is a disappointing statement, particularly in view of the economic, social and environmental importance of shooting, which other parties seem to have recognised.

“By accompanying their parents on shoots many youngsters learn lessons in responsibility, respect for their quarry, and self-discipline which not only ensure the highest standards in the shooting field but are fundamental to good citizenship.

“We will work hard with the Lib Dems to provide accurate information, balanced judgements and hopefully persuade them to establish a more realistic policy towards shooting sports.”

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