That was the delighted reaction today of the mother of murdered Leeds police officer Ian Broadhurst to news that the Government has taken a major step towards stopping criminals being able to produce home-made ammunition.
PC Broadhurst was executed by American-born David Bieber – with bullets he had been able to legally manufacture himself.
In the wake of Bieber's trial, PC Broadhurst's mother Cindy launched a campaign to stop the sale of component parts needed to produce bullets.
The YEP can reveal today that Home Office ministers are urgently looking at restricting the sale of primer – one of the essential ingredients needed to make DIY ammunition.
They are looking at the possibility of making it illegal to possess the substance without a special certificate. A Home Office spokesman said that the possible certificate system for primer is one of the options being considered by the Government with an announcement due in the early part of next year.
Today, PC Broadhurst's mum Cindy Eaton told the YEP: "I am absolutely delighted at the news. That would nip the problem in the bud. If the Government is to go ahead with this move I would hope it was introduced as soon as possible. The sooner the better.
"A move like that is something I want to happen – for Ian."
Prime Minister Tony Blair has previously said that the Government was thinking of a change in the law following the Boxing Day shooting of PC Broadhurst. The traffic policeman was killed by David Bieber in Dib Lane, Oakwood, Leeds on Boxing Day last year. His colleague PC Neil Roper was shot twice but mirculously survived. A third officer, PC James Banks amazingly escaped injury when a bullet hit his radio harness.
Components
Cindy Eaton's law change campaign has been backed by her local MP Mike Wood (Batley and Spen) and the YEP.
Under current law, anyone who has live ammunition must possess a special licence. But, the components to produce bullets – primer, cartridges and powder – may all be possessed legally. Only people caught with large amounts of powder or primer face prosecution at present.
Home Office minister Caroline Flint told the YEP: "We have just finished consulting on the wider issue of firearms which includes ammunition to see if the law is working.
"We have looked at the issue of the component parts for ammunition and we are going through around 400 responses. We will be looking at this very closely shortly to see what strengthening measures may be needed in this area."
A Home Office spokesman said that if the plan to restrict the sale of primer went ahead, it could mean a change in the law to make it an offence to possess it without a license.
The response of the consultation with groups such as gun clubs and police forces, will be published early in the New Year which is likely to include plans by the Government for possible restrictions.
david.bruce@ypn.co.uk