Gun laws under fire

Tuesday 28th August 2007, 12:00AM BST.

FIREARMS laws will face criticism in light of the recent tragedies, say Guernsey Police. Detective Chief Inspector Peter Dowding said that following the recent tragic events – such as the Fort Hommet and Liverpool shootings – it was inevitable that current practice would bear scrutiny and changes would be made.

‘But there is sufficient flexibility within current legislation for proportionate controls and restrictions to be invoked to minimise any dangers to the public,’ he said.

He added that current firearms legislation had stood the test of time and although there were a number of reforms awaiting enactment, those were primarily centred on administrative regulations and the control of imitation weapons.

DCI Dowding’s words echoed those of Home Minister Geoff Mahy, who last week expressed his faith in existing legislation.