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

Exclusive: Restrictions on shot and bullets containing toxic metal to be phased in over three years from 2026

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.