THE GUN TRADE REACTS TO THE NEW LABOUR GOVERNMENT

IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK -SEAN AIDAN CALDERBANK

He outlines the proactive approach BASC intends to take: “We look forward to building on the contacts we have made in Westminster over the course of the last parliament and will be seeking meetings with ministers as early as possible. Achieving positive outcomes for shooting remains BASC’s priority and we will work with all sides in the forthcoming parliament to achieve results which benefit shooting. We will use the information received from our election platform to ensure we build relationships with the new intake of MPs in this parliament to ensure we influence decisions that affect shooting and help shape the future for the economy and rural communities.”

ADDRESSING CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Mike Hurney, chairman of The Shooting Party, outlines the immediate concerns and broader economic context: “There are undoubtedly genuine concerns about some of the likely policies the Starmer government will introduce, such as the full recovery of costs pricing model for firearms licensing that almost certainly means very significant cost increases for the shooter. If you combine this with the omnishambles that has been the Firearms Licensing “service” since Covid-19, where in the West Midlands alone, new grants can take up to six months, the barriers to new entrants to the sport and those simply renewing their licences are very formidable indeed. I am aware of many retailers who without their sub-12ft/lbs airgun sales, would likely go out of business.

“Add to this the proposed bans on snare traps and trail hunting and more prohibitive licencing regimes for gamebird release will be detrimental to the way of life in the countryside, though, frankly, I feel that this is the direction of travel that has been a feature of our sport for some time. I think that what is even more important than specific measures effecting shooting is the overwhelming elephant in the room affecting us all: the cost-of-living crisis.

“We are an overwhelmingly discretionary spend-dependant market and post-Covid, that potential spend has been dramatically impacted. Prices between 2019 and 2024 have increased by nearly 26% and whilst inflation is now near the target level of 2%, this is 2% compounded upon the historical 26%; we have the highest burden of tax upon us since 1948. Interest rates are 5.25% and are not expected to ease until late autumn. Consumer confidence is low and their room for manoeuvre limited by increased mortgage and rental costs. This is where I feel some potential for hope. Labour’s landslide victory has ended the Tory psychodrama of the five years since the 2019 election. Markets like certainty, they like stability. The size of Labour’s majority almost certainly means they are here for five years -possibly a decade. The Pound has strengthened strongly helping importers such as ourselves maintain pricing. The cost of borrowing has eased, which, in time will lead to borrowing costs for consumers falling also. There is a focus on growth and renewal. Hopefully we should start to see a return to the feelgood factor and customers feeling confident to put their hands in their pockets for that new airgun, rifle or shotgun. Without confident consumers, everything else is just politics.”

A VETERAN’S VIEW

Adding to the discussion, a seasoned trade professional, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared a broader historical perspective: “The situation is what it is, and in the 50 years I have been in the gun trade, I have seen political parties come and go. It never makes much difference trade -wise. Changes in legislation affecting shooting are always the biggest worry but those are not exclusive to any one party.”

This viewpoint highlights a sense of continuity and resilience within the industry, emphasising that while governments may change, the fundamental challenges and dynamics of the firearms and hunting trade often remain influenced by broader legislative trends rather than the specifics of any single government.

Our industry is poised to navigate the new government’s policies, armed with a proactive stance and a determination to safeguard traditions and economic contributions. As Labour settles in, the sector remains vigilant, ready to engage and influence to ensure a sustainable future for hunting and shooting sports.

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