Call for new gun laws

Nationalists call for gun control to be devolved

News, 29 March 2005

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The Scottish National Party today launched a petition calling for the Scottish Parliament to take over the control of firearms.

It also called for a new Scottish Firearms Act to create clear laws to restrict the sale and use of real guns, replica weapons and air guns.

The move comes just weeks after two-year-old Andrew Morton was killed by an airgun pellet in Glasgow.

SNP Justice spokesman Kenny MacAskill said: "Scotland needs powers over firearms if the public is to be kept safe from guns. The threat from all types of firearms, be it a real gun, a replica weapon or an airgun is increasing and action must be taken now.

"All the Executive can do though is produce a glossy leaflet. We need legislation, not leaflets.

"The Scottish Parliament must have powers over firearms so that Scotland's different needs can be addressed. New legislation is needed to replace the plethora of existing legislation in this area and state clearly who can own a gun, where it can be purchased and how it can be used. Replica weapons and airguns must be part of this legislation as they also present a serious threat to public safety.”

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