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   Gun laws are 'inconsistent, complex and confused'
The home affairs select committee has called for changes to gun laws. In a report the MPs said the current system, with current 34 pieces of legislation governing the control of firearms, burdens police and the public alike. The committee recommends the creation of one licensing system to cover all firearms which require a licence and greater clarity on the the minimum age limits on the use of firearms and eligibility for firearms certificates. In June taxi driver Derrick Bird shot 12 people dead in Cumbria, leading the home affairs select committee to hold inquiry into firearms control. The Bird case highlighted gaps in the current licensing regime, notably around the ease with which convicted criminals can gain access to firearms. The MPs heard evidence from police, doctors and other experts about the current system and ways it could be improved. In their report, released today, the committee welcomed the fact that GPs are to be consulted on every new and repeat licence application to ensure that they are assessed on the basis of accurate information about the applicant’s health. However, it was unconvinced by arguments in favour of 'tagging' licence holders’ medical records It recommends tighter restrictions and clearer guidance to the police on the granting of firearms and shotgun licences to individuals who have engaged in criminal activity. The MPs are also calling on the government to consider whether it would be appropriate for the police to consult the domestic partners of licence applicants in making the decision as to whether to grant a licence. The committee also backed a hike in the cost of applying for a firearms licence, "to ensure that police spending cuts do not jeopardise the rigour of the licensing process". Committee chair Keith Vaz said: "We have heard evidence of further cases in which individuals applying to obtain a licence for firearms have lied about their mental health problems and have subsequently gone on to misuse their weapons. "Our report has made a number of recommendations to minimise further the risks posed by legally-held firearms and calls for a review of the minimum age limits on the use of firearms. "Current gun law is a mess — it needs to be simplified, clear and consistent to be properly understood by both those using firearms for legitimate purposes and those in charge of enforcing the law." Source: epolitix.com Copyright: Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd
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