http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmbills/010/amend/51013m07.htm
Don't ask me if this is the news that we have been waiting for but.............
(9A) In relation to subsections (2), (3) and (8), the following should be included in the exceptions and exemptions from what constitutes a realistic imitation firearm—
(a) deactivated firearms,
(b) deactivated weapons manufactured before 1983,
© deactivated weapons of .50" calibre and over,
(d) large machine guns, armoured vehicles and field guns and military equipment where the deactivated weaponry is intrinsic to the equipment,
(e) realistic imitation firearms used in security dog training and security guard training,
(f) realistic imitation firearms used in hunt dog training,
(g) realistic and deactivated firearms used by educators, colleges and schools,
(h) reproduction components for weapons of .50" calibre and over,
(i) starting pistols,
(j) weapons intended for use in "Airsoft" with a muzzle energy of less that 4 joules including BB guns, air guns and paint balls,
(k) realistic imitation firearms for use in theatre, cinema, museums, castles and historic houses, television and sporting events,
(l) parts of weapons required in relation to the weapons listed in paragraphs (a) to (k),
(m) specialist suppliers and armourers relating to the weapons listed in paragraphs (a) to (k).'.