GOVERNMENT SIGNALS CLAMPDOWN ON CROSSBOW SALES FOLLOWING VIOLENT INCIDENT

The British Government has confirmed it is preparing further controls on the sale and ownership of crossbows, with changes potentially adversely affecting retailers across England, Scotland and Wales.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Home Office minister Dame Diana Johnson said amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill have been tabled to strengthen age verification requirements on both the online sale and delivery of crossbows. She also indicated that broader restrictions may follow.

“We share this concern and last week the Government tabled amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill to strengthen age verification controls on both the online sale and delivery of crossbows,” she told MPs. “We will shortly be publishing our response to [last year’s consultation], setting out how we plan to go further to limit the availability and accessibility of crossbows in this country.”

The remarks were made following a serious incident in Leeds, in which two women were injured and a crossbow and firearm were recovered. Counter Terrorism Policing North East is leading the investigation.

Dame Diana said the Government intends to act quickly. “If the law needs to change to recognise this new and dangerous threat, then we will change it and do so quickly,” she added.

Labour MP Alex Sobel, who secured the urgent question, called for swift action on what he described as “lethal weapons” while other MPs across the House expressed alarm at how easily crossbows can be purchased online. Conservative MP Andrew Murrison commented: “These things are as deadly as shotguns and yet we don’t license them as such.”

At present, it is illegal to sell a crossbow to anyone under 18 or to carry one in public without a reasonable excuse, but there is no licensing or registration scheme for adults. The Government previously held a consultation in early 2024 on whether a firearms-style licensing system should be introduced. A response was delayed following the general election but is now expected imminently.

RETAILER IMPLICATIONS

If proposals progress towards licensing or tighter restrictions, dealers currently selling crossbows – particularly online – may need to adapt quickly, both in terms of legal compliance and operational processes. Stock, age verification systems, delivery protocols and liability exposure may all be affected.

Gun Trade Insider will continue to monitor the developments and publish updates as soon as the Government’s formal response is released.