Government commits to ban lead in shotgun cartridges

Shotgun cartridges containing lead shot will be banned for game shooting, following an industry wide consultation.

A three-year transition period will begin next summer, with it becoming an offence to use shotgun cartridges containing lead shot from the 2029-30 season onwards.

This is despite a longer five-year transition period previously being proposed by the Health and Safety Executive.

See also: Government targets much stricter shotgun licence controls

Defra says the ban will prevent roughly 7,000t of toxic metal being released into fields, forests and wetlands each year, and could stop up to 100,000 birds dying from lead poisoning each year.

Environment minister Emma Hardy said: “Britain is a proud nation of nature lovers, but our rivers are heavily polluted, and majestic birds are declining at an alarming rate.

“This new ban on lead in ammunition for most uses will help reverse this, rejuvenating pride in our countryside by protecting precious birdlife and cleaning up rivers.

“Non-lead alternatives are readily available, and we’ll continue to work closely with the shooting sector throughout this transition.”

The ban was welcomed by the shooting industry, which has been advocating for change for several years, though it has argued that the timeframe is too short for businesses to adapt.

Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, called it an important step for the future of shooting, which would benefit the countryside and rural economy.

He said: “Alternatives are now available for nearly every gun for nearly every purpose.

“We have always argued for a single transition date and do have concerns about the practical implications of a three-year transition for all uses of shotgun cartridges.”

The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (Basc) urged the government to stick with the initial five-year transition period as outlined by the Health and Safety Executive.

Terry Behan, Basc’s deputy director of shooting operations, said:

“Basc’s priority is to support a transition that upholds environmental responsibility while lobbying and fighting to protect the future and integrity of shooting in the UK.”

There will be some exemptions to the restrictions for certain groups including elite athletes, the military, and outdoor shooting ranges with special measures in place.