Chamber and committees

William Martin submission of 3 July 2021

PE1874/D - Introduce legislation to create artillery and firearms exclusion zones around places of spiritual importance and religious worship

I believe such legislation should be in force for the whole of the UK. The Samye Ling Buddhist Monastery in Dumfriesshire is of particular importance and needs the protection of the law. As an occasional visitor to the monastery, I and many thousands of people would be deeply distressed to find this beautiful spiritual place of contemplation and retreat desecrated by the intrusion of violent activity and noise at its perimeter. The need for this sort of meditative peace and seclusion is particularly important at the moment, when so many people are enduring increased anxiety and mental distress. I would strongly urge you as custodians of decency, democracy and civilisation to bring in legislation to prevent this vulgar intrusion.

I appreciate that these sorts of firearms ranges are a necessity but, in my view, they should only be in a sensitive choice of location. I believe that these private firearms ranges are being constructed with sizeable financial rewards in view, without consideration for the people who live in the area. Although there are few people, they are there and need to be respected. I feel that the natural environment in the area also needs to be protected from this sort of intrusion.

I hope this legislation can be successfully introduced.