SNP MSP Angela Constance today condemned the UK
Government’s response on devolving controls over air weapons to
Scotland.

The Home Office, yesterday rejected moves to allow
the Scottish Government to further restrict use and ownership of air weapons in
Scotland.

The Home Office’s comments come as new figures show
airguns account for 5 times the number of offences as any other form of firearm
in Scotland.

The number of air weapon offences in 2007-08 is 567
compared to 109 for imitation firearms and 41 for shotguns.

In it’s response to the Calman Commission the Home
Office stated that;

“The present unified regime represents the best way
of tackling problems which currently exist in relation to armed crime and the
irresponsible misuse of firearms.”

MSP for Livingston Angela Constance said;

“This is another example of the UK Government
sticking its head in the sand.

“We are tackling crime on our streets but without
licensing powers for air weapons to restrict their use further airguns will
continue to pose a problem in our society.

“With over 500 air weapon offences last year we can
not continue to put this issue aside.

“Instead of being able to tackle the problem head
on the Scottish Government is having to act with one hand tied behind its
back.

“The UK Government claim Chief Constables decide
who is suitable to own and use firearms but this does not apply to air weapons. 

“With licensed weapons accounting for far fewer
firearm offences than unlicensed air guns it is clear that licensing air weapons
would play a central part in reducing the high level of air gun offences in our
communities.”