Ireland – -(Ammoland.com)- In the wake of the horrific events in Paris last week, the European Commission has this week announced that it will be amending the Firearms Directive to make it more difficult to acquire firearms, including deactivated firearms, with the aim of improving traceability and stronger co-operation between member states.
The Countryside Alliance is concerned that at least some of the proposals seem to have little to do with addressing the deplorable acts of terrorism in Paris and will simply create additional unnecessary burdens for national police forces and legal firearm holders.
Many of the recommendations are sensible and show where improvements can be made. However, others appear to be hastily made decisions which could backfire on the legal firearm holders of the UK.
The UK is world renowned for its strict firearms licensing laws and we lead on many of the issues which the EU Commission is discussing, such as deactivation and standardised marking. However, some of these proposals would seem unlikely to have an effect on terrorist activity.
We strongly believe that the way forward is a separate directive dealing with terrorism and military arms, not amending the Firearms Directive. If, though, the Commission is determined to push forward with amendments they must be clearly aimed at the increasing threat of terrorism and illegal trafficking.
Tim Bonner
Chief Executive
Follow on Twitter @CA_TimB
European sporting umbrella body FACE, of which the Countryside Alliance is part, issued a press release where it declared: “FACE supports the European Commission’s initiatives in the fight against terrorism and illegal practices. FACE nonetheless questions how the Commission’s proposal to further restrict the lawful possession of firearms by hunters and sports shooters would prevent terrorists from committing atrocities. Illegally
About
Countryside Alliance Ireland has been active since the early 1960s, providing Irish sportsmen and women with high levels of information and advice and representation. Over the years as the political environment has changed we have evolved into a highly effective campaigning organisation. Countryside Alliance Ireland is governed by an elected “Board” made up from members throughout Ireland. The Board sets policy and oversees financial and operational matters. Countryside Alliance Ireland partner groups nominate members of the “Board” also, making it truly representative of country sports interests in Ireland.