Old guns may escape Bill

Antique weapons are to be excluded from the Bill banning high-calibre handguns to be published today. Background guidance will enable collectors to keep antique weapons such as duelling pistols. The Home Office is considering appeals from shooters to allow First and Second World War guns to escape the ban.

Labour said it may oppose any widening of the exemptions, but the move may relieve some pressure from the Government for higher compensation from the gun industry.