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Herts & Essex are again running their Field Firing Match for Rifles of ∙22RF OR other miniature rifle cartridge as approved by the HESA or HBSA (e.g. ∙297/∙230 Morris Tube, ∙310 Cadet or Air Rifle Pellet). This is an Open event and HBSA and others are most welcome to shoot or take part in the accompanying display of British Sporting Rifles and pistols. This match provides a loose representation of the Field Firing Training using military training targetry variously in use between the 1920’s and post Second World War. It is mainly a timed shoot, 30 shots per series shot: Ten shots prone (Sand bag may be used) at 5 Tin Hat targets (2 shots per bull) (120 seconds); Ten shots kneeling from behind “Cover” (Available support and sand bag may be used) at 5 Landscape targets (2 shots per bull) (120 seconds); Five shots standing shot over a “Fire Trench Parapet” (Available support and sand bag may be used) at 3 Figure 4A targets (5 shots on 3 bulls) (180 seconds) and finally Five shots standing shot over a “Fire Trench Parapet” (Available support and sand bag may be used) at three 1931 snap targets (5 shots on 3 bulls) (1 shot per 5 second exposure).

The Home Office has today (12th January 2017) published a consultation which seeks views on the implementation of new cost-recovery fees for firearms licences that are issued by the Home Office and Scottish Ministers: licences for prohibited firearms, museums with firearms collections and approved shooting clubs. The Policing and Crime Bill, currently before Parliament, contains provision for the Home Secretary to set the fees for these licences types, with the intention that they recover the full costs of administering the application process. The consultation lasts for 8 weeks and closes on 9 March. It is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/firearms-licensing-fees

Members may have heard of the IMCO vote on the trialogue document this morning – The text (hopefully with the amendments added to it) that will be put up for plenary vote on March 14 2017 is below. The European Commission has already stated that if this document is voted in in plenary without any changes, they will also accept it. The document is below and a statement from Vicky Ford MEP can be found at:- On this page you will find more by clicking on “background note”. Needless to say, whilst there are improvements our work does not stop here. Derek Stimpson

Members may be interested to see the latest “World Forum” newsletter >>>>

There are links to various documents of interest. As ever we continue to monitor the various situations and respond where needed.

Derek Stimpson