For UK-based airsoft players, it's all about having that Valid Defence in order to be able to own airsoft guns and play airsoft. English Shooting explains the VCRA and the role of UKARA... "We explain the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (VCRA), realistic imitation firearms and UKARA. Along with why you'll see two tone guns in airsoft shops and if IPSC Action Air is a valid defence. Enjoy!"
New to playing airsoft in the UK? This episode of Anvil Airsoft TV (AATV) has the information you need so you won't worry that you may be violating the VCRA... "We'll be covering UK Law as it pertains to Airsoft and how it happened. UKARA, VCRA, airsoft Defense. There is a lot of (mis)information flying around so if you want to know what the law actually is and how it came about then tune in to find out.
As posted here a few days back, UKARA Chairman, Frank Bothamley of Firesupport, annoinced that he'll be undertaking a 980-mile charity bike ride for the homeless charity, Hope Into Action. As he raises funds for the ride, he also put up a Facebook Group Page so that supporters and people can follow his journey.
Frank Bothamley, the Chairman of the United Kingdom Airsoft Retailers Association (UKARA) and the man behind Firesupport, is on a 980 charity bike ride from Land's End to John O'Groats to support the homeless charity called Hope into Action. Link is provided here where to help out in fundraising... "In September I undertake a mammoth challenge of riding 980 miles over 9 days with 52000 feet of climbs for Charity.
If you are having problems with the UKARA Player Check System, a bit more patience as they are making the player database more secure as the system is said to be under DOS attack in the past months that to prevent such was to turn the database off as a temporary measure. It is explained further below as an update was sent in by UKARA that also includes an update with the Police & Crime Act that affects airsoft.
Weaponsandstuff93 talks about legal stuff on airsoft in the UK and explains why they don't make sense. Watch it if to find out if you will agree or not... ... "A video explaining why the RIF (Realistic imitation firearms) laws applying to airsoft guns doesn't make much sense considering all the other RIF and non-RIF items that can be bought without a UKARA license."
A very positive development in the campaign for the Airsoft Exception in the Police & Crime Bill (PCB). Things have moved fast ever since the UKAPU, ATB, and the UKARA stepped up in their opposition to the proposed amendment removing the Airsoft Exception in the Police & Crime Bill that was tabled by the Lord Shrewsbury in the House of Lords.
An update from UKARA that UK-based airsoft players may want to read. Starting today players can complete their forms electronically. Rather than using paper forms, players can use the online form to register, dependent on your playing site, and the airsoft skirmish site will then indicate the qualifying dates and ID.
Apart from that news on recent UKARA activities regarding the proposed PCB. Read more below:
NEW features for UKARA Database and UKARA NEWS
As the proposed Policing and Crime Bill 2015-16 as proposed by the Home Office goes through the legislative process at Parliament, the UKARA plans to meet with the Home Office to discuss the inclusion of 8mm BBs as originally recommended by the Law Commission. Only 6mm BBs are allowed for the airsoft exemption in the proposed bill. Frank Bothamley, UKARA Chairman, sends in an update:
Just an update about the Law Commission review of Firearms Act.
Just an update on the story written by Yosser's Airsoft Odyssey regards to new proposals that were allegely submitted to the ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers)/Home Office by Frank Bothamley, the Chairperson of UKARA and part owner of Firesupport, we got in touch with Frank himself for his reaction to the story.
