Tag: firearms

Hunters up in arms as ‘anti-shooting’ GPs refuse to approve gun licences

Family doctors are turning conscientious objector and refusing to take part in a new system of firearm certification

The Times

Nicholas Hellen

The nation’s hunters and shooters are locked in a showdown with family doctors over plans to impose new medical checks before the issue of firearm and shotgun certificates.

GPs and their leaders are being accused of using their new powers as gun-licence gatekeepers to make life harder for almost 600,000 game hunters and clay pigeon enthusiasts.

Some are refusing to allow certificates on the grounds that they have moral objections to shooting, offering gun owners the choice of changing their GP or giving up their firearm. . . [Full text]

GPs free to object to taking part in firearm licensing

Practice Business

Tim Martin

GPs will be allowed to conscientiously object to taking part in the firearm licensing process, the British Medical Association has said.

The BMA is currently working with the Home Office to improve licensing rules around firearms, following the introduction of an information sharing process that was introduced last April, designed to ensure licence holders are medically fit to carry arms, On Medica reports. . .[Full text]

 

Doctors’ leaders clash with pro-shooting group over health checks on gun licence applicants

The Herald

W.N.M.P. Bowern

Apply for a firearms or shotgun licence and your family doctor will be asked by the police if he or she thinks there might any medical reason or ‘concerns’ to refuse to allow you to possess a gun.

A change in the licensing regime last April meant new information sharing processes between GPs and the police were introduced in an attempt to ensure those licensed to possess firearm and shotgun certificates were medically fit to carry sporting guns.

The British Medical Association expressed concerns at the time. This week it has gone further, advising doctors they can refuse to engage in the process if they have a conscientious objection to firearms and telling them if they do agree to provide information they should charge a fee. . . .[Full text]