UK impartial gun store compelled to shut after 80 years – blames Reeves | UK | News | EUROtoday

A beloved UK impartial gun store, which is among the final remaining within the nation, is closing down. The store, which has operated in London for 80 years, blamed Rachel Reeves’ tax raid for its choice to close for good. William Evans will welcome prospects for the final time this coming Saturday, January 31. Bosses stated that elevated taxes beneath Labour have led to considerably increased enterprise charges, leaving them with no alternative however to close.

Karl Waktare, Williams Evans’s vp, instructed The Telegraph: “This is the last remaining independent gun shop in London, which is obviously very sad. Business rates tipped it over the edge.” The store is situated in St James, London, however had a number of properties earlier than that. It was initially primarily based close to Victoria Station earlier than shifting to Pimlico, then Pall Mall. However, it was compelled to relocate after a German bombing throughout World War II, the place it has been ever since. William Evans is a beloved establishment for a lot of, together with Nigel Farage, who stated he was “saddened” by the information of its closure.

The enterprise’s different store in Bisley, Surrey, will stay open. Mr Waktare stated that the shop must have offered £100,000 of additional inventory to remain afloat, one thing which was unfeasible.

The enterprise is steeped in British historical past and provided sniper rifles to the Scots Guards within the First World War.

Mr Waktare stated the store’s enterprise charges have risen by practically 150%, leaping from £1,700 a month to £4,200 final 12 months. He defined that Labour’s choice to eliminate retail aid for companies meant that this determine would soar to greater than £6,000 later this 12 months.

Indeed, Labour has axed the UK’s price aid for retail companies, which was launched in the course of the Covid pandemic. Businesses had been initially supplied 75% tax aid, which decreased to 40% in 2024, and has been fully scrapped since.

“The Chancellor’s business rates hike is a disaster that’s wiping out independent and characterful stores on our high streets,” stated Andrew Griffith, the shadow enterprise secretary. “William Evans is a brand that attracts visitors from across the UK and beyond. Its closure will be a real loss.”

William Evans was common with vacationers who travelled to the UK to hunt pheasants. Mr Waktare described them because the “dream customer” as they might purchase every part they wanted to go searching.

However, new legal guidelines launched by Labour will embrace a ban on path searching and tighter firearms licensing. This, primarily, would make it harder for folks to personal a shotgun.

Diggory Hadoke, who’s an writer who writes books in regards to the historical past of British gunmaking, stated that the UK is shedding gun retailers at a fast tempo. He instructed The Telegraph: “The loss of William Evans in London means we lose a window into country sports.”

“It means there isn’t that sort of high street public visibility of shooting sports as being a normal thing to do, like playing tennis or golfing,” he added.

Meanwhile, Reform UK chief Nigel Farage has been seen buying on the retailer on quite a few events. Reacting to the information, he stated: “I have shopped there myself, and I am saddened to hear this news.”

The store’s web site advertises a clearance sale, with 50% off a number of manufacturers.