BASC has welcomed the constructive engagement around the proposed Offensive Weapons Bill that took place during a meeting with Home Office minister Victoria Atkins MP.
After meeting the minister in London today, BASC’s director of communications Christopher Graffius said: “As a rural MP, it was clear the minister was alive to the problems of the shooting community.
“It was a positive meeting with the minister and her officials and provided encouragement that BASC can have constructive engagement with government about the issues within the proposed Bill.”
While the Bill has yet to be published, the UK’s largest shooting organisation has previously urged government to be cautious around the unintended consequences of new legislation.
During the meeting, BASC offered support for reasonable measures to combat violent crime but highlighted concerns that some of the details of the proposed legislation may have damaging consequences for shooting sports and for those whose livelihood is related to shooting.
BASC is continuing discussions with the Home Office on the technical issues within the Bill, which deals with acid, knives, certain rifles and definitions.