Government to introduce tighter firearms licensing controls

The government has announced it will introduce tighter controls on firearms licensing to keep people safe and help the police apply the law consistently.

New statutory guidance for the police will strengthen how they determine who is suitable to hold a firearm or shotgun licence.

The number of referees required for shotgun certificate applications will increase from one to two and new advice will be provided to referees on their responsibilities in supporting an application.

The changes come in response to concerns raised by the senior coroner who held the inquests following the fatal shootings in Plymouth in August 2021.

Guidance will also be strengthened for how police should consider suspected domestic abuse or other violence, when someone is applying for a firearms licence. The police must speak to partners and household members to identify any signs of domestic abuse or any other factors which could indicate the applicant is not suitable to have a firearms licence.

Policing Minister, Diana Johnson, said: "Only those who meet the highest standards of safety and responsibility should be permitted to use shotguns or firearms, and it is crucial that police have full information about the suitability of all applicants for these lethal weapons.

"The events in Woodmancote in 2020, Plymouth in 2021 and other cases provide a tragic reminder of what can happen when these weapons are in the hands of the wrong people, and we must do everything we can to protect the public.

"That is why, as part of our Plan for Change, we are giving the police the tools and resources they need to make safe, timely and consistent decisions when it comes to firearms licensing.

"This is just one part of our mission to make our streets safer. We will also launch a public consultation on the controls on shotguns and other firearms issues later this year."