*gasp* Horrors
Many years ago, when Jim Taylor’s youngest daughter was home on Christmas break from college, she brought along several of her classmates. One was from Merry Olde England™, so when we all did some shooting at the J-T Ranch range, I brought along a No.4 MkII I had at the time so when he returned home, he could say he had shot one of the main battle rifles of his country. He had never fired a gun before, but had the time of his life.
Shock at gun licences given to children
A dozen children in Greater Manchester are authorised to use guns, figures show.
The Gun Control Network said allowing children to use powerful weapons, such as shotguns, is “absurd” and warned that weapon security cannot be guaranteed with youngsters.
But the British Association of Shooting and Conservation says teaching children how to enjoy the benefits of responsible shooting is to be encouraged.
At the end of March, 12 children aged under 18 in Greater Manchester held certificates granting them permission to use shotguns or firearms, according to Home Office data.
They were among 7,114 people in the area permitted to use the weapons.
There is no minimum age to hold a shotgun certificate in England and Wales, but a child must be over 14 to have a firearm certificate.
The figures show 11 shotgun and four firearm certificates, granted by Greater Manchester Police, are held by youngsters aged between 14 and 17 – some of whom could hold both types.
There is also one child under the age of 13 in the area who holds a shotgun licence.
The law restricts children to the use of firearms for animal slaughter, sport, competition, target shooting and the shooting of vermin.
They cannot purchase their own weapons or ammunition but are entitled to possess some firearms from the age of 14.
Peter Squires, from the UK Gun Control Network, said: “The fact that children can be licensees is a ridiculous anomaly, given that children could never be legally responsible in their own right for the safety and security of the weapon.
“GCN believe firmly that the privilege to own and use a firearm should be tied very closely to the responsibility for its use and security. This cannot be assured with children.”
For anyone to obtain a firearm or shotgun certificate, the chief officer of their local police force must be satisfied that they have good reason to have a weapon, that they are fit to be entrusted with it and that public safety or peace would not be endangered.
Martin Parker, of the BASC, said current legislation benefits those in training for Olympic and Commonwealth shooting disciplines and those being taught pest control techniques.
He added: “Encouraging younger people to enjoy the benefits of responsible shooting, while teaching the principles of safety and self-discipline, is to be encouraged.”
A Home Office spokesperson said the UK had some of the toughest gun laws in the world, with firearm possession subject to stringent controls
He added: “There are strict controls on young certificate holders who must be thoroughly vetted by the police.’’
Growing up we had full access to the firearms in the home. They were kept either loaded or with the ammunition readily to hand. I purchased my first handgun at the age of 13 and had full control of it from the beginning. Of course, back then we were taught firearms safety and common sense as well as personal responsibility. While growing up we were disciplined and occasionally punished, sometimes even physically. Rather than make us violent it taught us respect for others and we realized the awful responsibility of handling firearms.
The world has gone mad. People believe that “government knows best” and that teaching children right from wrong and to take responsibility for their own actions is the epitome of barbarianism. Pah!