I received this email yesterday, last line being the relevant part:
Further to our email of 21st November 2017 informing clubs of temporary restrictions for .50 calibre shooting on Field Firing Ranges I have been extremely concerned to learn that DIO Warminster have received a flurry of FOI requests and queries from MPs over these restrictions.
This is causing DIO, on whose support we depend, a great deal of unnecessary work.
I would like to remind all NRA affiliated clubs who shoot on MoD ranges that civilian full bore shooting on MoD ranges has been arranged through an agreement between the MoD and NRA.
I will be grateful if you could ensure that, with immediate effect, any queries about civilian shooting on MoD ranges other than routine enquiries about range bookings etc. are directed at the NRA (either to Nic Couldrey
nicholas.couldrey@nra.org.uk or Iain Robertson
iain.robertson@nra.org.uk)
I have assured DIO Warminster that any club, or member of any club, that does not abide by this instruction risks having their NRA Affiliation suspended or cancelled.
The NRA, by working closely with the MoD, has enjoyed a long a fruitful relationship that maintained civilian access to MoD ranges. For this to continue we need to recognise that DIO are facing considerable demands on their resources; it is critical that they view civilian shooting as a valuable partner to the MoD.
For the avoidance of doubt I can confirm the MoD has not banned civilian shooting, or the use of 5.56 calibre, on military ranges.
Regards
Andrew Mercer
Group Chief Executive & Secretary General