Firearms Licensing – Statement from the Minister and Public Consultation

Published on:
Jun 29, 2023

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Firearms Licensing – Statement from the Minister and Public Consultation

Chris Philp MP, Minister of State for Crime, Policing and Fire has today made a Written Statement on Firearms Licensing in response to recommendations arising from the horrific murders in Plymouth and the Isle of Skye.

The Minister stated “While public safety is, of course, our chief concern, it is also right that our approach should reflect the fact that the vast majority of licensed firearms holders are law abiding and cause no concern”. He and the Home Office deserve due credit for maintaining this balanced approach when considering recommendations that could have severe consequences for the shooting community.

The announcements of funding for a new mandatory national training package for police firearms teams, and the decision not to proceed with recommendations to align shotgun and firearms legislation, are both welcome.

The statement also refers to the current review of firearms licensing fees to move to full cost recovery for the police. I am working with other shooting organisations to ensure the new fees offer fair value and are justified by accurate data; however they will increase significantly from the current levels set in 2016.

The Minister announced the launch of a Public Consultation on recommendations for changes to Firearms legislation, the main subjects being:-

• Legislative presumption in favour of granting a firearm or shotgun certificate;
• A power of immediate seizure of firearms, shotguns and ammunition;
• Mandatory prohibitions; and
• Length of certificate renewed before renewal required

The deadline for responses is Wednesday 23 August 2023; we will publish the NRA’s response in July.

The Statement from the Minister can be found https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2023-06-29/hcws895

The Public Consultation can be found  https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/firearms-licensing-recommendations-for-changes

Andrew Mercer

Secretary General