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SHOOTING INDUSTRY FUND TO SUPPORT FIREARMS LICENSING PROJECT
The Shooting Industry Fund has agreed to finance a £35,000 firearms licensing project aimed at addressing challenges within the UK’s firearms licensing system. This initiative, described as a surge operation, seeks to identify underperforming police forces and engage with them to develop constructive solutions.
Simon West OBE, executive director of the Gun Trade Association, emphasised the collaborative nature of the project: “We want it to be constructive and able to generate models where we can all work together – Home Office, PCCs, chief constables and firearms licensing departments. The Gun Trade Association has an expert with experience of working in government and identifying solutions to previously unsolved challenges.”
The project aims to tackle immediate issues while developing a sustainable model for the future. Simon added, “We hope to bring attention to the immediate issues but also to identify how the system can work better in the future to ensure that we never have to face such trauma again.”
The early phase of the study will involve discussions with registered firearms dealers (RFDs) affected by current licensing inefficiencies. Those interested in participating are encouraged to email consultations@gtaltd.co.uk to contribute to the project.