Solidarity MSP Tommy Sheridan has hit out at the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) who have sent a press release criticising his bid to ban the sale and possession of air guns in Scotland. BASC claim that the majority of guns owned in Scotland are “legal” and “within the law”.

Sheridan, Co-Convenor of Scotland’s fastest growing political party reacted:

“We know that ownership is within the law, but that does not stop them being used for unlawful purposes. My bill would protect hundreds of people from attacks and vandalism by these dangerous weapons.”

BASC list as their aims “to promote and protect sporting and shooting”, they are a multi-million pound organisation whose patron is the Duke of Edinburgh. Tommy Sheridan suggested that they were not living in the real world:

“ If they think that the hundreds of thousands of these weapons on our streets are being used for sport, they are living in a different world to me. Firefighters, children, pensioners are being attacked by these weapons and we sadly know that it can cost lives. Have your sporting shooting if you wish, but leave your guns locked up at the gun club when you leave.”