New government guidance on firearms licensing distracts from systematic failures within police licensing departments

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As of 5 August, the Home Office have revised their Statutory Guidance to Chief Officers of Police on firearms licensing.

 

Among other things, the new guidance requires a shotgun licence applicant to supply two references, rather than the previous one; strengthens the Statutory Guidance in relation to evidence of domestic abuse or other violence; provides greater clarity about police powers to refuse or revoke certificates in cases involving violence and other offences, and requires the police to provide identification during an unannounced visit.

 

This update comes in the light of the recommendations made by the Senior Coroner for Plymouth, the Independent Office for Police Conduct and the report by the Scottish Affairs Select Committee following the fatal shootings in Keyham in 2021 and on the Isle of Skye in 2022.

A summary of the main changes to the Statutory Guidance are as follows: 

• Increasing the number of referees for a shotgun application from one to two. There is also more detail in the Statutory Guidance regarding the information the police should obtain from referees, including where the referee has changed between grant and renewal, and ensuring that the referee knows who to contact if they have concerns about the applicant in the future. 

 

• Strengthening the Statutory Guidance in relation to evidence of domestic abuse or other violence, providing further guidance to the police on when to carry out additional checks and concerning the interviewing of partners and household members, and making clear that evidence of dishonesty is relevant to suitability. 

 

• Explaining the application of the balance of probabilities test and the weight to be applied to evidence to ensure that the police are able to consider all of the information available to them. 

 

• Providing greater clarity about police powers to refuse or revoke certificates in cases involving violence and other offences or where a person admits guilt and has an out of court disposal. 

 

• Updating the Statutory Guidance to recognise that an out of court disposal may be the sanction given for serious matters, such as violent incidents, disorder and possession of drugs, which are relevant to a person’s suitability. 

 

• Requiring the police to provide identification during an unannounced visit, to carry out a full review as soon as possible following surrender or seizure of firearms and advise the certificate holder of the result, and to return firearms promptly if there is no danger to public safety. 
  
  

Livia Brynin, Firearms Advisor for the NGO, said:

“The Home Office recently announced that all shotgun certificate applicants will now be required to provide two referees, aligning them with existing requirements for firearms certificates. This change, which comes with little notice or consultation, is intended to strengthen public safety. Still, risks creating further delays and burdens for applicants, particularly those in rural communities where access to referees can be limited.

“In a letter to Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson, the NGO acknowledged her position that: 
 
‘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.’

“While the NGO agrees with the Minister’s call for high standards and thorough applicant vetting, it has cautioned against the use of the phrase “lethal weapons” when referring to lawfully held shotguns. 
 
“This language is misleading and risks reinforcing negative public perceptions of legitimate firearms ownership. “Shotguns are vital tools in countryside management, conservation, and pest control. The continued use of inflammatory language distracts from the real issue, which has been systemic failures within police licensing departments, as seen in tragedies like the Plymouth shootings.” 

“The NGO argues that these incidents were not caused by lax laws but by failures to enforce the existing regulatory framework. It is urging policymakers to prioritise operational competence and accountability over adding more bureaucracy for law-abiding certificate holders.”

The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation continues to support public safety through practical and proportionate policy. It delivers firearms licensing training to police forces nationally and advocates for consistent, evidence-led decision-making that respects both the law and the livelihoods of rural professionals. 

 

“We support effective regulation,” said Livia Brynin. “But regulation must be proportionate, practical, and based on real-world risks, not public relations optics or misunderstood narratives. We’ll continue to work with government and police to ensure that firearms licensing policy is both safe and fair.” 

 

The refreshed Statutory Guidance will come into effect from the day that it is published, and it will replace the previous Statutory Guidance which was issued in February 2023. The firearm and shotgun application form and the registered firearms dealer application form are also being revised to reflect the changes in the Statutory Guidance, and they will be published at the same time.

ENDS

Note to Editors:

The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO) represents the gamekeepers of England and Wales. The NGO defends and promotes gamekeeping and gamekeepers and works to ensure high standards throughout the profession. The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation was founded in 1997 by a group of gamekeepers who felt that keepering was threatened by public misunderstanding and poor representation. Today, the organisation has around 13,000 members.