The Uk relaxes measures for visiting hunters

Details The UK relaxes measures for visiting hunters Hunters visiting the UK for sporting purposes will find it easier to enter after the Home Office amended legislation for firearms owners. For anyone who resides in the European Union (EU), a European Firearms Pass (EFP) is the single document which facilitates the free movement of hunters and sport shooters within the EU, as well as Norway and Switzerland. However, the UK is one of three member states - the others being Ireland and Sweden - who do not solely accept the EFP.  A police issued British Visitors' Permit (BVP) is also needed. It used to be a requirement that the original EFP accompanied BVP applications.  This meant that until the EFP was returned to its owner, he/she could not visit any other EU state with their firearms, resulting in frustration for many firearms owners. The Home Office has now changed legislation so that it allows the production of a copy of the EFP as opposed to having to send the original.  Visitors do, however, still require a BVP in addition to the original EFP on arrival at a UK port before entry is permitted. These changes will apply to Scotland, England and Wales but will not extend to Northern Ireland. A spokesman from the Federation of Associations for Hunting and Conservation of the EU said: "We are hoping that this change will eventually be followed by a complete abrogation of the stricter measures, including the requirement of a special visitors permit, in the three countries and that the EFP will finally be fully recognised by all member states of the EU".