GLOUCESTERSHIRE REOPENS FIREARM LICENCE APPLICATIONS

IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK - DAVID RIDLEY

Gloucestershire Constabulary has reopened new firearm licence applications following widespread criticism from local MPs, organisations, and industry leaders, including the Gun Trade Association (GTA) and the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC).

The suspension of new applications, intended to address a 24-month backlog, caused significant disruption for firearm owners across Gloucestershire, particularly gamekeepers, farmers, and pest controllers relying on firearms for their livelihoods.

Simon West, executive director of the Gun Trade Association, was among those to condemn the suspension. “I raised this immediately with the Home Office as an unlawful failure in the police’s statutory duty to provide the service,” Simon said. “The Home Office were unaware of the situation. I have now also had discussions with the National Police Chiefs’ Council representative for firearms licensing.”

West criticised the suspension as an “unlawful failure in the police’s statutory duty to provide the service,” highlighting the lack of communication between local police forces and central government on licensing matters.

Forest of Dean MP Matt Bishop also raised the issue in the House of Commons and wrote to both Gloucestershire Constabulary and the Home Secretary. “It has been a busy few weeks for me across Parliament and the Forest of Dean,” he said. “I have been contacted by many constituents sharing their frustrations with Gloucestershire Constabulary’s decision to suspend all new firearm license applications and the 24-month delay in processing existing ones.

“This suspension has caused significant disruption for firearm owners in the Forest of Dean, including gamekeepers, farmers, and pest controllers. I raised this issue in the House of Commons and wrote to both Gloucestershire Constabulary and the Home Secretary, urging immediate action to address the delays.

“This problem has affected not only the Forest of Dean, but many constituencies across Gloucestershire. It was encouraging to have the support of three other Gloucestershire MPs, who added their signatures to the letter. I am pleased to share that Gloucestershire Constabulary have now responded to my request, confirming that they ‘will re-open grant applications on 2nd December 2024’ and ‘will continue to prioritise those who need weapons for occupational reasons.’”

A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Constabulary explained the rationale behind the suspension: “We’re working through a backlog of new grant and renewal applications as quickly as we can, so unfortunately our standard time frames can’t be guaranteed. This also applies to variations, transfers and updates.

“As a result of unexpected resourcing issues, we temporarily stopped accepting new applications in order to prioritise renewals. We are in the process of prioritising the recruitment of more staff into this specialist area in order to help with the demand, however this will take some time.

“Over the coming months, we will be working to reduce the processing times for outstanding applications. We are unfortunately unable to provide accurate time scales at the moment, however, and we will review this page every three months and update it accordingly.

“We will be continuing to focus our attention on those wishing to renew existing licences, and assessing the suitability and safety of those already in possession of firearms. These processes are more robust in response to the tragic shooting in Plymouth in 2021. We thank you for your continued patience during this time.”

BASC welcomed the decision to reopen applications. Martin Parker, BASC’s head of firearms, commented: “This decision is a testament to BASC’s ongoing commitment to ensuring firearms licensing operates effectively and in the interests of our members. We would like to thank all of our members who wrote to their MPs, the Police and Crime Commissioner, and Chief Constable – without their support, this wouldn’t have happened.

“We would also like to thank Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP for meeting the Chief Constable to raise the issue. The delays and uncertainty in Gloucestershire were unacceptable, and we are proud to have played a leading role in driving the changes necessary to resolve this issue.

“We look forward to our meeting with the Assistant Chief Constable, and we will continue to work closely with the constabulary to monitor progress and ensure the swift delivery of these improvements.”

The reopening of applications in Gloucestershire is seen as a positive step forward for firearm owners and the industry as a whole, though broader concerns remain over the pressures that are currently facing firearms licensing departments across the UK..