As Liberal Democrats, we regard the right to own firearms for sport, hunting, collecting, and self-defence as fundamental to a free society, irrespective of how many choose to do so. We do not believe that governments have a general right to limit the ownership of firearms.
Gun ownership, by itself, harms no other person. It says nothing about what might be done with a gun, and cannot justify criminal sanctions. However, as with any right, there are associated responsibilities, and failure to meet these may be criminal.
The right to self-defence, including with firearms, precedes the authority of governments. Consequently, while it may be restricted in the case of particular individuals, within limits, it should not be removed on a collective basis.