SNP MSP demands action on airguns

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.”