LABOUR LOOKS TO TIGHTEN SHOTGUN LICENCE LAWS
The UK Government has announced plans to review shotgun licensing laws, with a new consultation set to be launched later this year. The decision follows concerns raised in response to a 2023 public consultation on firearms licensing, which was initiated after fatal shootings in Keyham and the Isle of Skye.
The previous government opted not to review the alignment of shotgun and firearms legislation, but the current administration now believes it is time to reconsider.
Dame Diana Johnson, minister of state in the Home Office stated: “The consultation sought views on recommendations that were made to the government by the Senior Coroner in his Prevention of Future Deaths reports following inquests into the deaths of the five people who were shot and killed in Keyham on 12 August 2021; on recommendations made by the Independent Office for Police Conduct following its investigation into the police force involved; and recommendations made by the Scottish Affairs Select Committee following its review of firearms licensing regulations which followed on from a fatal shooting by a licensed shotgun holder on the Isle of Skye on 10, August 2022… The previous government decided not to consult on the recommendations that had been made to consider greater alignment of shotgun and firearms controls and legislation. The government is, however, mindful that the shootings in both Keyham and Skye involved lawfully held shotguns, and that there have been other incidents involving shotguns. We therefore take the view that it is right to look again at the differences in the controls and to consider whether changes should be made to better protect the public. ”
The UK shooting trade is expected to strongly oppose any significant tightening of shotgun laws, warning that additional restrictions could penalise responsible shooters while failing to address fundamental failures in police licensing procedures.
Key concerns from the shooting trade include: Increased bureaucracy and costs – aligning shotgun licensing with stricter section 1 controls could introduce more paperwork, longer application times, and additional costs. Impact on the rural economy – shooting supports jobs in game shooting, pest control, and tourism. Stricter licensing could deter participation and reduce revenue for shooting-related businesses. Lack of evidence for change – many in the trade argue that existing shotgun laws are already stringent and that recent firearms incidents were due to enforcement failures, not legislative gaps. A “one -size -fits-all” approach – shotguns are widely used in pest control, agriculture, and sport, and are distinct from other firearms. The industry is likely to resist any move to regulate them in the same way as section 1 rifles. Further restrictions – there are fears that this consultation is the first step towards broader restrictions on legitimate gun ownership in the UK.
Detailed responses from Simon West and Nick Doherty can be found on pages 16 and 22.