From the BBC, we have this interesting tale of an agreement between a private limited company and a union body representing a group of self employed people who have been asked to become police informants or, in the words of the article, “flag up patients who could be a danger to themselves or others.”

I am, of course, talking about the agreement between ACPO and the BMA whereby GP’s have agreed to share “concerns” they have about patients who may “own or have access to” weapons.

The ACPO lead officer for firearms licensing, Assistant Chief Constable Adrian Whiting, said an agreement with the BMA had been reached.

“It is important that suitable safeguards should exist around personal data and the security of firearms and explosives.

“An agreement to share information has been agreed in principle and the technical details are now being decided upon,” he said.

“To discuss it further now would be premature and this work, together with any proposals for change, would no doubt be considered in any future discussions on the UK firearms licensing system.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “We await the outcome of these discussions and will consider them as part of our look at firearms licensing laws.”

Note there that the “spokesperson” seems to confirm that ACPO are leading this rather than the government.

Aside from the Stasi like overtones, it will probably also have the effect of making gun owners think twice before going to visit their GP just in case they get a visit from the police – probably involving armed officers and midnight raids.

One thing also worth considering here is how come ACPO can become involved in making these gentleman’s agreements as I had always thought that Parliament produced legislation in the UK not Ltd companies?

They do, however, have form in this area though when their favourite pet SOCA recently managed to get €500 notes withdrawn from sale to the public in the UK with nothing other than a bit of arm twisting.

So much for open transparent democracy!