We sent this letter Candidates for the European Parliament

Dear ….,

in October 2013, the EC Home Affairs presented a biased action plan against firearms violence, calling for new guidelines in 2015-2018. The announcement caused an outcry from sporting and hunting associations, as well as from media and from individuals, across the EU. Issue-based campaigns benefit from low turnouts, e.g. 43% in the last election for the EU Parliament. Many voters within the EU consider firearms legislation an important issue, and may be considered one-issue voters if they feel that their interests are at stake.

1. Do you support ownership of firearms for law abiding citizens, for the purpose of self defence and recreational target shooting?
2.  Do you believe there is a correlation between legal firearms ownership and crime?
3. Do you believe restrictive firearms laws have a measurable and benevolent effect on crime rates?
4. Do you recognise the right to keep and bear arms as a human right?
5. Are you interested in statistics and analyses concerning:
6. The number of firearms crimes, including homicides, that have been committed by previously convicted criminals, versus how many were committed by previously law abiding citizens
7.  Whether the crimes were committed with illegal or legal firearms
8.  The sources of illegal firearms
9.  Do you support or oppose expanded guidelines, at the EU level, with a view to create more restrictive firearms legislation?

We would be most grateful if you would devote some of your time and effort to respond to the following questions, in order for us to inform the electorate regarding your stance on this issue. If you would please provide evidence to support your answers where you feel it is appropriate, we will be most appreciative.

Firearms United (FU) is a European association of individuals and organisations working towards the recognition, within the European Union, of the right to keep and bear arms for law abiding citizens. FU represents firearms owners of several EU countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Norway.  FU is a significant online community, and through its network enjoys access to print and online media.

In order to present a balanced and truthful narrative concerning the use of firearms in the EU, we have conducted extensive research into several historical and current statistical sources, as well as analyses of social trends.

For your information we enclose the latest debate concerning firearms legislation in the EU Parliament, with references to EUROPOL and SOCTA findings and statements.

Yours sincerely