| The call for action comes after the death of toddler Andrew Morton, in Glasgow’s Easterhouse estate, when he was struck in the head by an airgun pellet.
Handguns were banned after the Dunblane tragedy in the mid 90s and lately compressed air cartridge weapons were proscribed by law.
The petition, which was soon being signed by passers-by in City Square, was launched by the SNP’s justice spokesman Kenny MacAskill.
He said that legislative powers over all types of firearms should be devolved to Holyrood immediately, with a new Firearms Act to create clear laws on who could sell, own and use real guns, replica weapons and air guns.
“Scotland needs powers over firearms if the public is to kept safe from guns. Firearms are a scourge on Scottish communities so we need tough action now to halt the problem,” he said.
Replica weapons and air guns had to be part of the legislation as they also presented a serious threat to public safety.
Mr MacAskill said that if the new powers were granted by Westminster, a single Act would replace the current 10 pieces of legislation that govern firearms.
“We have to address issues such as what exactly defines a weapon, and include air weapons and replica guns. They have caused tragic deaths, they are used in criminal acts, so air weapons and replica guns must be licensed.
He said shotguns should also be covered by the Act that would define what a weapon was and who might be allowed to own one. That would cover two categories — those involved in pest or vermin control and members of sporting and regulated clubs.
“We have to recognise that an air weapon or a real firearm is not something for fun or a laugh, and we must license air and replica weapons, because they have been used with tragic consequences.
“They cannot easily be identified from real firearms, they have been used in crime, and yet they are sold openly in shops without the need for a licence and that cannot continue.” |
