New firearms licensing laws criticised as ineffective

New firearms licensing rules that came into force on 5 August have been criticised by shooting organisations as “tinkering around the edges” and failing to tackle real safety issues.

The Firearms (Amendment) Rules 2025 require two referees for shotgun certificates instead of one and expand disclosure requirements to include all convictions except parking violations. Speed awareness courses must now be declared.

Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson said the changes ensure “only those who meet the highest standards of safety and responsibility should be permitted to use shotguns or firearms”.

However, BASC director of firearms Bill Harriman argues the change is pointless: “Adding a second referee will do nothing to enhance public safety. In my 35 years at BASC I am unaware of anyone being refused a certificate due to their referee.”

Instead, BASC wants mandatory GP markers on medical records of certificate holders. Although the Department of Health introduced systems that would enable this in 2023, uptake by GP practices remains unclear. Despite “overwhelming support” from police and shooting organisations, the Home Office rejected making such markers mandatory

The rules follow recommendations made after Jake Davison killed five people in Plymouth in 2021 using a legally held shotgun. An inquest found “catastrophic failures” in Devon and Cornwall Police’s licensing system.

Countryside Alliance chief executive Tim Bonner questioned why Britain maintains “43 separate licensing authorities, too many unfit for purpose”.

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