Its current work covers firearms licensing, explosives storage, the movement of firearms, lead ammunition, historic firearms, sound moderators and the replacement of the National Firearms Licensing Management System (NFLMS).
For registered firearms dealers, the importance of this work lies not only in the number of issues being considered but also in the stage at which the BSSC is becoming involved. The BSSC remains deeply involved while policy, guidance and operational procedures are still being developed, giving the shooting community an opportunity to contribute before decisions are finalised.
Firearms licensing reform remains the BSSC’s principal strategic priority. The BSSC continues to work with government and its member organisations to develop an aligned and considered position, supported by evidence and practical experience from across the shooting community.
That representation has recently been strengthened by the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO) joining the BSSC. The Council now brings together 16 member organisations, which collectively represent more than a quarter of a million people.
The BSSC is also working with the NGO and the College of Policing on the development of the agenda for the NGO’s conference in November, providing another opportunity to improve communication between the shooting community and those responsible for firearms licensing.
THE CASE FOR NATIONAL COORDINATION
The BSSC continues to work with government to explore the public safety benefits of a nationally aligned firearms licensing system for England and Wales.
Its central argument is that some of the most serious weaknesses in firearms licensing arise from inconsistent delivery rather than an absence of legislation. Applicants, certificate holders and dealers continue to encounter differences between police forces in processing times, administrative procedures, service standards and the interpretation of Home Office guidance.
For dealers operating across force boundaries, those differences can affect the time taken to process certificates and variations, the advice given to customers and businesses, and the interpretation of requirements intended to apply nationally. The result can be a postcode lottery in which the experience of an applicant or dealer depends heavily upon the police force area in which they are based.
The BSSC is promoting changes that it believes would maintain the UK’s already high level of public safety while improving the consistency and performance of firearms licensing. Its position reflects the fact that the UK already has robust firearms legislation that is viewed by many other countries as a gold standard.
The existing NFLMS has long been regarded as requiring modernisation, and the BSSC has contributed to discussions about its successor. The government has recently announced a preferred candidate for the replacement service, and the Council is already engaged with those involved in its development.
The BSSC intends to help ensure that the new system is resilient, supports public safety and works effectively for police forces, certificate holders and registered firearms dealers.
With 16 organisations represented around the Council table, the BSSC believes it is uniquely placed to provide a broad view of the requirements of the firearms, shooting, collecting and trade communities.
EXPLOSIVES INTERPRETATION
Another emerging priority for the BSSC concerns the interpretation of statutory guidance and the Firearms Security Handbook in relation to the storage of small arms ammunition, black powder and shooters’ powders.
The principal concern is that different interpretations can lead to inconsistency between police force areas.
The BSSC is working with the College of Policing and the Home Office on the review of the Firearms Security Handbook.
DEALER OPERATIONS REMAIN ON THE AGENDA
A significant area of work concerns the movement of firearms between dealers. The BSSC has worked with the National Crime Agency and national police representatives to develop guidance intended to establish a consistent approach.
The guidance has been agreed with Parcelforce but could also provide a framework for other carriers wishing to offer similar services. It will also be included in the Gun Trade Association’s training course for registered firearms dealers.
The BSSC reports that cooperation between its constituent bodies has strengthened, with organisations increasingly developing shared and aligned positions in addition to their own individual approaches. That unity is likely to become particularly important when the firearms licensing consultation is eventually published and the sector must respond within a limited period.
LEAD POSITION UNDER REVIEW
Lead ammunition also remains under close review. The BSSC continues to monitor developments in European legislation and to participate in the FACE Ammunition Working Group.
Following significant changes to the EU’s proposed approach, the BSSC will revisit its position to ensure it remains appropriate. The Council will also continue discussions with DEFRA, the government and the Home Office as the British position develops.
DELIVERING MODERATOR GUIDANCE
The BSSC has also played an important role in the legislative changes affecting sound moderators.
A collaborative effort involving the BSSC and the Countryside Alliance helped to bring the issue before Parliament. Following discussions involving BSSC president Lord Brady of Altrincham, the change was brought forward through the Crime and Policing Act with broad political support and recognition from government that the amendment would be beneficial.
The Council subsequently pressed for clear guidance to accompany the legislation. When that guidance was not immediately available, the BSSC worked with key individuals from across the sector, including the GTA’s Paul Green, to develop a series of practical scenarios and answers setting out its interpretation of the new law.
This material was presented to the College of Policing and the Home Office, with the majority of the BSSC’s approach subsequently adopted. The Home Office and College of Policing also produced their own scenario-based questions and answers, while additional information was prepared specifically for the firearms trade.
The resulting guidance was reviewed by the BSSC’s Honorary Legal Adviser, Nick Doherty, and has now been published as a single document. It brings together the relevant legislation, the BSSC’s advice, Home Office information, College of Policing guidance and the wider legal framework.
The complete document is available from the BSSC website and is intended to provide a comprehensive reference point for questions arising from the change in law.
A REPRESENTATIVE VOICE
Through its relationships with government, policing, regulators and partner organisations, the BSSC represents a substantial cross-section of the UK’s firearms community.
The Council supports the gun trade and the shooting and collecting community more broadly, while providing a coordinated voice across its 16 member organisations.
As firearms policy and operational practice continue to develop, the BSSC aims to remain a trusted partner to the relevant authorities and to work on behalf of the firearms, shooting and collecting communities, as well as industry professionals.
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0203 603 0103
secretary@bssc.org.uk
bssc.org.uk