Context
The Minister previously visited multiple cadet units and noted the social mobility benefits of cadet programs, including over 140,000 cadets and 26,000 volunteers. The Ministry of Defence is proposing to withdraw the 7.62 cadet target rifle from service in 2026 and the .22 rifle two years later.
Question
In my new role as chair of the British Shooting Sports Council, I take a keen interest in cadet target rifle shooting. The Ministry of Defence is proposing to withdraw the 7.62 cadet target rifle from service in 2026 and the .22 rifle two years later. This deprives cadets of learning valuable skills of firearms safety and use, and questions the future of target rifle shooting in the UK. Will the Minister meet me and representatives of the shooting and target rifle community to discuss opportunities to reverse this decision?
Answer from The Minister for Veterans and People (Al Carns)
I will happily come and talk through that in due course. I have been in the military for 24 years and have spent a lot of time shooting, and I can see its benefits.
Not addressed: Specific commitment to meet and discuss reversing the decision was not provided; only an indication of willingness to talk later.
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