Greens will withdraw gun briefing request if independent inquiry progresses

The Green Party will withdraw its request for a Select Committee briefing into gun control if an independent inquiry is to go ahead.

The Green Party will withdraw its request for a Select Committee briefing into gun control if an independent inquiry is to go ahead.

In November 2015, the Green Party requested that the Law and Order Select Committee get a briefing on fire arms sales and ownership. To date, no reply has been forthcoming from the National Party chairperson of the Committee.

“It has been disappointing to not hear anything from the Government about the guns briefing I requested in November last year, till its sudden interest in gun violence in the last week,” said Green Party police spokesperson David Clendon.

“While we welcome the Minister’s interest in an independent inquiry, it is unfortunate it has been delayed for four months.

“Up until the latest bout of gun violence, I was left with the distinct impression that the National Government wasn’t interested in addressing gun violence. But now that the Police Minister has indicated she supports a gun inquiry, I will withdraw my request for a guns briefing if the Government commits to an independent select committee inquiry going ahead.

“It is crucial that the inquiry is independent and has as little interference from the Minister as possible. It should be left to the Select Committee to come up with broad and comprehensive terms of reference.

“Last week, Judith Collins jumped the gun, and ruled out a gun register.

“Ruling out options too early on will mean that the inquiry will be ineffective.

“The end goal is to ensure that gun ownership and sales is under control in New Zealand so that our communities and police officers are safe,” said Mr Clendon.

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