Home Office meeting

In case it hasn't been seen here is the content of Boomer's meeting summary.
I have no idea why but the content is much wider ranging than the VCRA - bizarre and worrying and confirms worries about the VCRA content being the thin edge of the wedge...

Boomer:

I had not intended posting in regard to the meeting until after the weekend, however, it is apparent that some information is already out there.

1. This was a review/progress meeting. Was Tim invited? Yes, however, I was not aware until arriving at the meeting that Tim was going to be there. In fact I had not spoken to him for sometime prior to Wednesdays meeting.

2. Airsoft does not exist in a vacuum and the HO are quite well aware of what goes on here and elsewhere on other forums. Anyone who has no understood this before should understand it now.

3. Of some disappointment was the fact that there was no representative from Customs present, however, we do now have link into Customs again, the previous links having retired or moved on. The point was raised that there still appears to be unfettered personal importation of RIFs. Whilst airsoft skirmishers have the ability to use the defence, those that are not still appear t be able to import.

4. The First question related to the ABA and where it stood. The HO are well aware that it still does not formally exist.

5. As far as the HO are concerned it is still too early to see what effect the VCRA has had on crime with replicas. The act has not been in force for long enough. The HO are aware that enforcement is patchy to say the least however, in certain areas there have been considerable seizures. There may thrust is still to get the message out to car boot traders, corner shops, market stalls etc that it is now illegal to sell RIFs.

6. The question of 2 tones was raised and despite the point being put to the HO that the vast majority of 2 tones sold are not appearing on airsoft sites they were not receptive to the idea that 2 tones could undermine the aim of the act.

7. The subject of students particular difficulties regarding their residential addresses was discussed and is still a matter there that needs resolving. There were also discussions regarding seizure of students kit. This is as far as irrelevant as far as the VCRA is concerned. Most if not all University accommodation precludes the keeping of any kind of replica.

8. There was discussion relating to the number of retailers and sites involved in the UKARA database and also
discussion in relation to a number of matters that have caused considerable discussion on here. In my opinion they are well aware of the situation.

9. Whilst non of us on the airsoft side raised the question of power levels the HO certainly did so. They are adamant that a replica becomes an airgun and therefore a firearm at 1.35 j (377fps with a .2gm bb). They are quite happy with the 1 joule + 10% guideline figure but there is considerable resistance to single shot replicas above 1.35j. They believe that any airgun (>1.35j) capable of firing more that one bb per pull of the trigger is a section 5 firearm. There was considerable discussion in relation to this. The main thrusts were what power levels were sites insured to and retailers selling AEGs over 377fps.

In my opinion Retailers especially those selling AEGs that are above 377fps should seriously consider downgrading them before sale and not leaving it up to the customer to do it. The same could also be said for those retailers in the UK selling the more powerful cylinder sets for PTWs. If there is a fight worth fighting it is for bolt action rifles but it will not be cheap and we may not be successful.

It is my belief that they will try at some point to force the issue whether it be through the courts or legislation. It is in my opinion inevitable and the only question is when. However, it may be the case that we have to consider having our own testing done.

10. The position of under 18 players was discussed. As it stands the defence only applies to airsoft skirmishers and therefore parents who are not airsoft skirmishers cannot buy RIFs for their children who may skirmish.

As a side issue U18s are under threat from the latest Child Protection Legislation regulations which come into force this summer. this is a far bigger issue than airsoft as it affects all activities relating to children. The administrative burden affecting sites will differ from site to site and in the end it will be a question of costs benefit risk analysis. As it currently stands Leisure Insure do not offer Child protection Cover in their standard poilcy, Perkins Slade/RSA whilst offering it, have stated that the cover will be effective only where sites have complied with what is required by the regulations.

It is obvious that we are under a microscope and every little incident that occurs causes the anti's to bombard ministers with pressure. We have to become a lot more media savvy and understand that we do not exist in a vacuum. Incidents such as the media hysteria surrounding Zulu-1 do not help our cause (HO brought that up specifically). There was in my opinion a thinly veiled threat regarding WW2 skirmishing and the possibility of undesireable groups becoming involved especially those recreating Waffen SS or Gestapo appearances.

There will be another meeting in 6 months or so to review the situation again and it will probably continue along those lines whilst ever the present government is in power. The defence is there and provided we are not stupid there should be no reason for us to lose it.

BOLD is my highlighting

Kermit:

What was the "thinly veiled threat" regarding WW2 Airsoft? You wont find any "Gestapo" at UK WW2 Airsoft events, though there are W-SS. (mind you, thats no different from the Re-enactment world!)
Still, is portraying W-SS any worse than playing an AQ terrorist? I think not.

Boomer:

Just to clarify I came away with the clear impression that it would not do our position any good if WW2 airsoft was to give rise to an airsoft group that came to extol some of the same ideas that a particular W-SS re-enactment group are believed and have been seen to hold.
This does not mean that playing the role of W-SS would be looked upon dimly just if those playing the role were to extol Nazi-Socialist ideals then that would not be looked well and would give ammunition to those who want to restrict or even ban airsoft. You cannot do a themed event around Arnhem or the Battle of the Bulge without including players taking part representing the W-SS.

Kermit:

Cheers for that Boomer. I know the re-enactment group you are hinting about, it's interesting that the powers-that-be take there lead from Panorama.......