This has been forwarded on to me for publication from the ABA. It looks like they are going to get the exemption that they have been looking for for airsoft in relation to the VCR Bill. Here’s the news:
I refer to my letter of 16 August about airsoft skirmishing and the Violent Crime Bill.
I have now had an opportunity to consider the case which you and your colleagues put to me and you will be pleased to know that I have decided to provide a defence for airsoft skirmishing in relation to the ban on the sale etc or realistic firearms. As you are no doubt aware, there is already a power to make regulations in clause 34 of the Bill and we will include the defence to make regulation once the Bill completes its passage through Parliament. My officials will be in touch with you shortly to arrange a meeting to discuss in detail how the defence will work.
I trust you will be pleased with this outcome and will continue to ensure that airsoft skirmishing activities are in no way linked with the problem of misuse of realistic imitation firearms. Tony McNulty, (Minister of State)
