Business of the House

Jim Shannon Excerpts

Thursday 28th January 2016 Commons Chamber

[Chris Grayling]

All of us in government have meetings with business, charities, external representative groups, trade unions and other groups across our society, so that we can try to do the best for this country in government. That is what all Governments do and it is certainly what this one does.

[Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP)]

May I associate myself and my party with the very kind comments on the long service of Robin Fell and wish him all the best for the future, good health and long life? In the aftermath of the Paris atrocities, what can only be described as hostile proposals are coming from Europe on the EU weapons directive that could impact on legal and legitimate firearms certificate holders across the whole United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Leader of the House—I know the matter is close to his heart—will know that the most law-abiding section of the community are those who hold firearms, so will he agree to a statement or a debate in this House?

[Chris Grayling]

Although this country has experienced the dreadful consequences of terrorism, and the hon. Gentleman knows and understands the dreadful consequences of terrorism, we have in this country firearms laws that maintain the right balance and are appropriate for the needs of a modern society. The best way that the rest of Europe could deal with the matter would be to adopt the same approach as the United Kingdom has taken.