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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Peter Walker Senior political correspondent

Lead ammunition to be banned for hunting and shooting in England, Scotland and Wales

A person (face obscured) wearing a green wax jacket while holding a shootgun aloft and looking over his shoulder during a pheasant shoot
Ammunition with lead in it has long been identified as a significant pollutant and a particular risk to waterbirds. Photograph: K Neville/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Shotgun pellets and bullets that contain lead are to be banned for almost all uses, ministers have said, in a long-awaited announcement welcomed by wildlife groups.

The restrictions will be phased in over three years from 2026, rather than the five set out in an official report last year, prompting some shooting organisations to say replacement ammunition may not be fully available in time.

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