Calls for UK gun laws overhaul following shooting spree by crazed man
By ANIThursday, June 3, 2010
London, June 3 (ANI): Britain’s gun laws need immediate review, says Doug Beattie, who received the Military Cross in Afghanistan.
The heightened concern over gun laws comes in the wake of the crazed shooting spree unleashed by 52 year old Derrick Bird who killed twelve people before turning the gun on himself.
Beattie feels there should be periodical psychological evaluations of gun-owners in order to prevent such incidents from happening again.
“There should be a fundamental look at the ownership of any weapons. I do not see any requirement for gun ownership except for specific businesses,” The Daily Express quoted Beattie, as saying.
“Sporting guns should be held in a centralised location, such as a sporting club. Anyone who does have a gun should have a psychological assessment each year,” he added.
According to the paper, in the UK, applicants for gun licences are interviewed by the police or firearms licensing authority before they acquire a weapon.
Licence holders must provide doctors’ reports, disclose any criminal convictions and state why they want a gun, a process that takes about eight weeks. (ANI)
