51AVÊÓÆµ

Debate secured to stop 'rural antagonising' shotgun licence merger

Shotgun ownership is an essential tool of work within rural and land-based industries, but has the Government taken a 'one-sided view' which will pose a risk to farmers' livelihoods?

Chris Brayford
clock • 4 min read
"Farmers, pest controllers and gamekeepers are law abiding, vetted and subject to ongoing scrutiny under one of the most stringent firearms licensing regimes in the world. Treating them as part of a broader criminal problem which they have no connection to undermines trust, damages confidence in the licensing system, and unfairly tars responsible people with a criminal brush."
Image:

"Farmers, pest controllers and gamekeepers are law abiding, vetted and subject to ongoing scrutiny under one of the most stringent firearms licensing regimes in the world. Treating them as part of a broader criminal problem which they have no connection to undermines trust, damages confidence in the licensing system, and unfairly tars responsible people with a criminal brush."

Countryside campaigners have taken a decisive first step in a bid to derail the Government's plans to make it harder for people to own a shotgun after a petition reached more than 100,000 signatures in...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on Politics

Global Ag View: Farmers warn European Commission over danger of moving too slow in current crisis

Global Ag View: Farmers warn European Commission over danger of moving too slow in current crisis

European farming leaders have highlighted the mounting pressures hitting the sector

Alex Black
clock 24 April 2026 • 2 min read
Conservatives call on Gov to stop 'ridiculous' decision to increase fuel duty

Conservatives call on Gov to stop 'ridiculous' decision to increase fuel duty

With red diesel costs on the rise due to conflict in the Middle East, the decision to increase fuel duty will only see prices spike further

clock 24 April 2026 • 3 min read
From the editor: Food, farming and supply chain fairness

From the editor: Food, farming and supply chain fairness

This week from the Farmers Guardian editor Katie Jones

Katie Jones
clock 24 April 2026 • 2 min read