New shotgun licence rules tighten safety checks

Changes to firearms licensing rules have resulted in two referees now being needed for a shotgun licence to be granted, with the aim of keeping the public safe.

The UK government implemented the changes on Tuesday 5 August, which also state that both referees must have known the applicant for more than two years to grant the application.

In addition, applicants are also now required to declare all convictions and offences, with the exception of parking violations. 

See also: Government targets much stricter shotgun licence controls

The changes will affect all applications in England, Wales and Scotland and those requiring a licence need to apply through a new firearms licensing application form. 

The changes bring shotguns more closely into line with other firearms and police should also speak to an applicants’ family members prior to granting firearms licences.

This, the government said, is also to ensure the applicant is not a domestic violence risk.

Changes to the rules were advised by a senior coroner, following the August 2021 fatal shooting of five people in Plymouth.

The 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.”

‘No justification’

However, Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, said while the alliance supports changes to the guidance, there is no justification to further restricting gun ownership.

“The government must address the fundamental question of why we have an antiquated system with 43 separate licensing authorities too many of which are not fit for purpose,” he said.

The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) was also sceptical of the changes.

“It is not in the interests of those who shoot that the wrong people should have guns,” said BASC director of firearms Bill Harriman.

But he believes the number of referees or disclosure of motoring offences will make no difference to public safety.

“Ensuring that the physical and medical health of certificate holders is monitored would be the greatest gain for public safety,” added Mr Harriman.

A public consultation on the controls on shotguns and other firearms is expected to be launched later this year.