Firearms licensing: recommendations for changes
We are seeking views on a number of recommendations made to the government relating to firearms licensing.
This consultation seeks views on recommendations made to the government by:
- the Senior Coroner for Plymouth, Torbay and South Devon following the inquest into the deaths of those shot and killed by a licensed shotgun owner in Keyham on 12 August 2021
- the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following its investigation into Devon and Cornwall Police’s decision-making in relation to the possession of a shotgun and shotgun certificate by the shooter in Keyham
- the Scottish Affairs Select Committee following its review of firearms licensing regulations in Scotland, which followed a fatal shooting on the Isle of Skye on 10 August 2022
The consultation provides questions arising from these recommendations, upon which we would welcome views. The government has made no decisions on these questions and recommendations and we will carefully consider all the views received in relation to this consultation.
Public safety is our priority, but the measures to manage the risk to public safety must be proportionate and balanced with the fact that the vast majority of licensed firearms holders are law abiding and cause no concern
Following this consultation, and in light of the responses received, if the government concludes that legislative changes are necessary we will consult formally on specific legislative proposals accompanied by assessments of the impact of those changes on all those potentially affected.
The consultation will run for 8 weeks from the date of publication.