Lizzy Buchan -Independent
Sajid Javid has quietly dropped plans for a ban on high-powered military rifles to head off a Commons rebellion from Tory backbenchers and the DUP.
The home secretary watered down proposals to prohibit .50 or higher calibre rifles in the long-awaited Offensive Weapons Bill, despite calls from police forces to tighten restrictions on the powerful guns.
Nearly 70 MPs had signed a rebel amendment to thwart the ban, led by veteran Tory MP Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, which was backed by Conservative Brexiteers and Theresa May’s DUP allies.
Both groups are flexing their muscles ahead of the crunch Commons vote on the prime minister’s Brexit deal, which is expected in a matter of weeks.
It is also the latest warning from the DUP MPs, who are threatening to withdraw their support for Ms May’s minority government over their opposition to Brexit.
Mr Javid tabled a series of amendments on Friday to remove the proposed ban from the bill, which would cover rifles that can immobilise a truck from more than a mile away.
Labour, whose MPs had been ready to vote with the government on Wednesday to change the law, accused ministers of “caving into their restive backbenchers”.
“Senior officers have warned the police have no known protection against these destructive weapons and yet ministers have still caved into their restive backbenchers.”
The government’s concession was welcomed by sports shooting groups, who argued the planned legislation was disproportionate.
Sir Geoffrey, who chairs the All Party Parliamentary Group on shooting and conservation, said: “I welcome the government’s decision. It is essential that legislation should be proportionate, based on the facts and consulted on with stakeholders.
“The home secretary is right to announce further consultations and has my full support for securing an evidence-based result on this and other firearms issues.”
Chris Stevenson, chairman of the .50 Calibre Association said: “This is a fantastic decision by the Home Office for all who shoot in the UK irrespective of calibre.
“We have further work to do and are more than happy to work with the Home Office in developing good law for our sport.”
Labour MPs previously accused the government of delaying the firearms bill twice to avoid a defeat, despite demands to tackle sales of acid and knives in the face of escalating violence.
