Read How Changes To Firearms Licensing Will Affect You

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Sporting Shooting and the Law by David Frost, the indispensable practical guide to firearm and shotgun licensing, which is published by the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation, has been swiftly revised to reflect the recent changes to firearms licensing introduced by the Home Office on 1 April 2016.

The new Home Office procedures set out a framework that is intended to improve information sharing between GPs and police with the stated intention of reducing the risk that a medically unfit person may be able to possess a firearm or shotgun. The Home Office is to review its shake-up in licensing arrangements in six months’ time.

Copies of Sporting Shooting and the Law are available at a cost of £8.00 each by calling the National Gamekeepers' Organisation on 01833 660869 and online at www.nationalgamekeepers.org.uk.

The NGO is also happy to provide an amendment slip free-of-charge to anyone who already owns a copy of the book bought through the NGO. The free insert explains the new role GPs play in firearm and shotgun licensing.

A spokesman for the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation said: “The NGO was a member of the Medical Evidence Working Group, which provided advice to the Home Office. It is of course vital that those who hold guns are medically fit. It is also essential, and in everyone’s long-term interests, that the public has complete confidence in the licensing system. That said, the NGO fought hard to ensure that changes to the licensing system were proportionate, realistic and fair.”

He added: “The NGO has reserved its judgment on the new system, and we want to see the results of the review in six months before deciding whether or not it is a success. The NGO helped secure improvements in how the new approach is applied, but uncertainties remain. Members experiencing difficulties should let us know.”

A Home Office factsheet is available by clicking here

The amendments to Sporting Shooting and the Law also cover other recent, but unrelated changes, that affect gun owners. These include information on the introduction by the Home Office of unannounced security inspections. There are also short sections on how to use social media sensibly and the implications of the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015.

For background information on Sporting Shooting and the Law please click here

Notes to Editors

The National Gamekeepers' Organisation represents the gamekeepers of England and Wales. It defends and promotes gamekeeping, gamekeepers and ensures high standards throughout the profession. It was founded in 1997 by a group of gamekeepers who felt that their profession was threatened by public misunderstanding and poor representation. The NGO has around 15,000 members.