Ok, I’ll bite on this one.
I think you misread my initial point (slightly worryingly as you’re training to be a GP).
The home office along with the local FEO state that it “does not seek a professional opinion as to the suitability to hold a Firearms/Shotgun certificate” the decision to award a certificate regardless on what a GP reports is down to the local FEO, NOT the GP.
The GP merely reports on if any of the following have ever been diagnosed, (again not asking for any opinions professional or otherwise)
‘The letter will need to include whether or not I have ever been diagnosed with or been treated for the following conditions/illnesses:
• Acute Stress
• Reaction or an acute reaction to the stress caused by a trauma
• Suicidal thoughts or self-harm
• Depression or anxiety
• Dementia
• Mania, bipolar disorder or a psychotic illness, or a personality disorder
• A neurological condition: for example, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s diseases or epilepsy
• Alcohol or drug abuse.
• Any other mental or physical condition which you think may be relevant’
I’m assuming that you’re not a license holder as if so you would understand the politics surrounding the licensing in general and also the requirement for a GP letter, this has been through many forums, local authorities FEO’s and created a lot of issues due to those involved in the process not understanding the requirements and what they must provide. Hence the clear guidelines set out on what it is that is required from those involved. Your response falls foul of such issues and was one of the reasons for such kick back in the sport, and rightly so. Everyone has the right to own a shotgun license, Not the same with as a firearms.
Any and all Liability, This is down to the applicant applying for the license. You have a legal requirement to mention any of the above listed medical issues as part of the application also, not just the GP. If there’s a discrepancy they simply decline your license, stating untrustworthy. Again the home office guide is clear on all of this. The hoops we all have to jump through in order to obtain a license isn’t easy and can be quite stressful.
Nobody expects the GP to know the legalities of the application and grant of any license hence why the decision is down to the local FEO local authorities. You do realise local constabulary FEO come to your home and interview you right? This isn’t just a quick pop in to say hello? All previous convictions, cautions even speeding tickets must be declared. All down to the applicant. Again if you were a license holder you would know this, and why, as mentioned above, the decision thankfully isn’t down to the GP.
It’s not a leisure requirement, it’s a medical request for information, at most charge. £10 for the admin work?
Regarding NHS funding, and who provides it.. you’ve answered your own question there. If there was another alternative other we’d all gladly take it, but the home office requires we run this through the GP and as you mentioned I pay my tax and NI so damn straight Im Going to use it.
Let’s not get off subject as this is a huge bone of contention for many reasons with lots of strong opinions.
But glad that so far we can still enjoy this fantastic sport, you must try it sometime