MPs from across Parliament voiced strong opposition to proposals to align shotgun and firearms licensing during a Westminster Hall debate on 23 February, prompted by a petition that attracted more than 120,000 signatures.
During the debate, no MP spoke in favour of merging the two licensing regimes. Instead, 24 MPs contributed against the proposal, raising concerns over its potential impact on public safety, police resources and rural communities.
The proposed changes would see Section 2 shotgun certificates brought in line with Section 1 firearms licensing. However, several MPs questioned whether the move would deliver any meaningful improvement to public safety, with many arguing that the current system is already effective.
A consistent theme throughout the debate was concern over the capacity of police firearms licensing departments. MPs warned that combining the two systems could place additional strain on already stretched resources, potentially undermining the effectiveness of licensing rather than strengthening it.
Julie Minns, Labour MP for Carlisle, said: “For many, this proposal represents a far-reaching regulatory shift with consequences that may not have yet been fully understood. The anxiety that’s been expressed to myself and other members is not rooted in resistance to safety.
“They want dangerous individuals to be prevented from accessing firearms. What they question is whether creating a larger, potentially more congested system, will achieve these outcomes. Or, whether it risks the opposite by overwhelming the very departments responsible for ensuring public safety.”
Ben Lake, Plaid Cymru MP for Ceredigion Preseli, also questioned the proportionality of the proposals, stating: “The proposed changes, although perhaps well-intentioned, are disproportionate, and will not actually realise the stated objective the Government has for them.”
Dave Doogan, SNP MP for Angus and Perthshire Glens, highlighted the level of public engagement behind the debate, noting: “We are here because of the 121,000 signatures on that petition.”
He added: “I think what people in here are objecting to, and many people out there are objecting to, is a vast increase in the bureaucratic burden, which will deliver no significant increase in public safety.”
Robbie Moore, Conservative MP for Keighley and Ilkley, described the petition as one of the fastest growing in recent times and pointed to widespread concern among those involved in shooting, land management and pest control.
Sarah Dyke, Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, emphasised the need for evidence-based policy, stating: “Gun controls should only be strengthened when there is a clear necessity to protect public safety.”
She added that while the current system requires rigorous checks, the key issue remains resourcing, warning that any changes must be supported by sufficient capacity within licensing departments.
Across the debate, MPs also highlighted the importance of shooting to rural economies and communities, stressing that any changes to firearms licensing must be grounded in evidence and practical outcomes.
The Government has confirmed that a formal consultation on the proposals will follow, with the next phase expected to determine whether changes to the licensing framework will proceed.