'Keyham's Law' bill going before Parliament in wake of Plymouth shootings
MP Luke Pollard is calling for a ban on keeping pump-action shotguns in homes
Last updated 29th May 2022
One of Plymouth's MPs is presenting a bill to parliament which he says will help prevent a repeat of the Keyham shootings.
Luke Pollard is calling for a ban on pump-action shotguns being kept in homes, as well as linking the giving out of firearms certificates to mental health records.
The bill, which the MP is calling 'Keyham's Law' also seeks to make violent misogyny a hate crime, so crimes where the motivation is hatred towards women is an aggravated offence at sentencing.
Six people died following the tragedy last August, including the gunman.
'Stop other communities going through the pain we have'
Mr Pollard said: "I want to see changes in gun laws informed by the evidence from the Inquest and police investigations.
"That may take some time so today I am presenting the first part of Keyham’s Law with the hope that further measures can be proposed after careful consideration from these investigations.
"My bill would ban the keeping of pump-action weapons in homes. I see no good reason why anyone would need a pump-action shotgun to be kept in their homes. I want to see stricter rules on gun ownership, to stop other communities going through the pain that we have".
Councillor for Devonport Bill Stevens said: "Luke’s campaign to limit these dangerous weapons is essential.
"There’s no excuse for them to be kept by ordinary people at home and the sooner we have a common sense approach, the better.
"We all want to live safely and this step from Luke will a huge contribution to that.
"I hope those who lost loved ones in the horrific shooting will take some comfort that if this campaign succeeds, their losses will not have been in vain".
Local Keyham Resident and member of the Keyham Neighbourhood Watch Laura Mervyn said: "Since August 12th, our community has been left in shock.
"Guns are not toys - they should not be treated as something cool, or ordinary in any way.
"Gun laws have to move with the times. There should be real precautions in place ensure people being given gun licenses are properly vetted.
"Changes to gun law need to include a focus on mental wellbeing and it should be reviewed regularly.
"No other community should have to suffer because a gun slips into the wrong hands".
The bill will be presented in Parliament on Wednesday 1st March, watched by the families of some of the victims.
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