STROP GUN

Tory MP mocked for complaining he can’t go shooting after forgetting to renew his gun licence

Ian Liddell-Grainger, MP for Bridgwater and West Somerset, accused coppers of "utter incompetence" after he found out that it would take the force 16 weeks to renew it

A TORY MP has been mocked after complaining that he can’t go shooting this winter because he forgot to renew his gun licence.

MP Ian Liddell-Granger accused local police of “utter incompetence” after he found out that it would take the force 16 weeks to process his shotgun licence, despite the fact that he had forgotten that it had expired.

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Ian Liddle Granger, second left, on a visit to a farm with former PM David CameronCredit: PA:Press Association

“Forgetting to check and renew a licence in time is a simple mistake that anyone can make – and I make mistakes like everyone else,” he told the Somerset County Gazette.

The MP for Bridgwater and West Somerset was sent a reminder by the force that the certificate for his rifles and shotguns had run out.

“I’ve told the police I am handing the guns in for safe keeping and they are happy with that. But I cannot believe how long it’s going take to deal with a simple renewal of an existing certificate,” he said.

Police told the MP it would take weeks to renew the licenceCredit: PA:Press Association

“I’ve got the form and I’ve filled it in but you cannot simply hand these things in at your local police station any more: they have to be posted off. When I rang the police to see how long it would take to get the new permit I was absolutely appalled”.

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The licence, which allows holders to possess shotguns lasts for five years and requires a string of background checks including medical checks and recommendations by referees.

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However, Liddell-Grainger was quick to be critical of the process.
“Sixteen weeks to complete one piece of paperwork looks like utter incompetence. I told the officer I thought it was an unrealistically long time and he just said the police had lots of other things to do. I could almost hear the shrug down the phone."

“When I mentioned the fact that I was a MP it was suggested that if the Government gave the force some more money they might be able to get these things done more quickly.”

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