NGO Comment on Cumbria Shootings

3 June 2010

Commenting on the recent shootings carried out by Derrick Bird, the National Gamekeepers' Organisation (NGO) said:

"The gamekeeping community, like everyone else, is appalled by the tragedy in Cumbria and is thinking of the victims, their families and friends. As responsible firearms users, gamekeepers are particularly shocked at this dreadful, criminal misuse of guns."

Commenting on the Home Secretary's statement earlier today, the NGO said:

"The Government's response has combined sympathy with practical common sense. Calls for re-examination of firearms licensing were inevitable and the Home Secretary has indicated that Parliament will be given an opportunity to look into the issues but she has rightly said that such debate must follow completion of the ongoing police enquiries. The facts of this matter must be fully understood before any re-examination of the law."

The NGO confirmed that it would play a full part in any debate about the future of firearms legislation, saying it would represent its members' interests robustly:

"Firearms are an essential tool of the gamekeeping profession and most NGO members use them for important wildlife management. The NGO will work to ensure that appropriate firearms remain available, as now, to all who can show good reason and sound character."