Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
BBC Midlands Today reporter Ben Sidwell spoke with Emma Ambler, a Birmingham woman who has been advocating for stricter gun laws since the tragic death of her twin sister and two nieces in 2020. The incident, where Kelly Fitzgibbons and her daughters Ava and Lexi Needham were killed by Kelly’s partner using a legally held weapon, prompted Emma to push for changes in firearms licensing.
After campaigning tirelessly, Emma expressed her relief and belief that “voices have been heard” with the introduction of tighter controls on firearms licensing. One significant change includes the requirement for two referees for shotgun certificate applications instead of one, aiming to provide greater scrutiny and opportunity for concerns to be raised.
The tragic event in Woodmancote, where Robert Needham took the lives of his partner and her daughters before taking his own, highlighted the need for stricter regulations. A domestic homicide review revealed that he had provided false information on his shotgun application, hiding previous convictions and mental health treatment.
The adjustments in gun licensing also include additional checks to prevent individuals with a history of violence from accessing firearms. Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson emphasized the importance of ensuring that only those who meet high safety and responsibility standards are allowed to possess lethal weapons.
Emma Ambler’s efforts to prevent similar tragedies have not gone unnoticed, with safeguarding minister Jess Phillips acknowledging her role in making lawmakers aware of gaps in the system. The updates to the guidance reflect lessons learned from past cases, such as the Plymouth shootings and incidents in the Scottish Highlands, showing a commitment to strengthening controls on firearms even further
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.