Dumfries and Galloway MP Secures Commonwealth Shooting Medals Rethink Debate

An MP from the region has set his sights on returning shooting to the line-up at the next Commonwealth Games.

Alister Jack has secured a debate on the subject at Westminster next week after taking up the issue on behalf of constituents.

The MP for Dumfries and Galloway expressed astonishment when the sport was dropped from the 2022 Games programme for Birmingham.

Using powers as host city, the organisers controversially by-passed shooting when selecting their seven choices from the optional sports list.

Shooting has been part of the line-up at all but one Commonwealth Games since being introduced in 1966.

Amongst constituents raising the issue with Mr Jack was shooter David McMath of Castle Douglas, who won a gold medal for Scotland in the men’s double trap category at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April.

David achieved a Games record with 74 — four points ahead of strongest challenger Tim Kneale from the Isle of Man, who took the silver medal.

Mr Jack said: “Shooting is a strong sport across all four home nations and the decision appears to be a bit of an own goal by potentially depriving David and other talented competitors of up to 57 medal opportunities.

“The UK nations collected 38 per cent of the shooting medals on offer at the Gold Coast. It is one of our strongest sports.”

Mr Jack pointed out that some optional sports currently included in the Birmingham Games offered far less medal-winning potential.

He stated shooting was a popular and inclusive sport bridging age and gender and attracted competitors in a majority of the teams, including smaller nations.

The MP suggested that concerns about a lack of a suitable shooting venue near the host city could be realistically overcome by 2022.

Mr Jack welcomed the opportunity to lead a debate next Wednesday at 11 am in Westminster Hall putting forward the strong case for reinstating shooting to the next Commonwealth Games.