16 March 2016

Gun inquiry welcome but must be robust

The Law and Order Select Committee inquiry into the illegal possession of firearms in New Zealand is welcome but must be robust, timely and deliver solutions that ensure our police are protected, says Labour’s Police spokesman Stuart Nash.

“We need to know how widespread firearm possession is among criminals, and how criminals, including gangs, and those who do not have a licence get hold of guns.

“Police safety is a real concern as officers come up against more sophisticated and organised criminal gangs who have illegal weapons including military style semi-automatic weapons.

“Recent police shootings and gun-busts have highlighted the issue. That’s why an inquiry is needed. It is essential the Select Committee gets this right.

“While Labour would have preferred an independent inquiry we will get right behind the select committee to ensure the findings are robust and solutions effective,” says Stuart Nash.

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