UKPSA response to newspaper enquiry

One of our UKPSA-affiliated clubs was approached by their local Sunday newspaper for comment following remarks made by a family member of a victim of the tragic Dunblane massacre, 30 years ago. The newspaper asked for clarification and context regarding practical shooting and its place within the UK sport.

Below is the UKPSA response on behalf of our affiliated clubs to the questions raised about our sport:

IPSC shooting, governed in the UK by the UKPSA and organised by affiliated clubs, is a highly regulated sport under the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC). Founded in 1976, IPSC is now the world’s second-largest shooting sports body, recognised by the International Olympic Committee through AIMS.

The sport has been practiced in Great Britain since the 1970s, with the UK hosting both IPSC European and World Championships. UKPSA athletes have achieved notable international success, including multiple Junior and Ladies world champions.

UK firearms laws are among the strictest in the world. All our affiliated clubs work closely with their local police force, rigorously vetting, supervising, and training members to national/international standards and adhering to UK firearms laws, to ensure safe and lawful participation.

The tragedy in Dunblane should never have occurred. The perpetrator was already known and posed a clear risk. Had existing laws been properly enforced, he would not have been legally permitted to possess firearms.