I welcome the fact that we have some of the toughest firearm’s laws in the world and I believe it is important for the Government to keep firearms laws under review to ensure they continue to keep the public safe.
Lawful shooting is well regulated and safe in general. However, the risk of firearms falling into the wrong hands or being misused continues to be a possibility. I know that law enforcement and some members of the public have raised concerns over elements of firearms control.
Through the Firearms Act 2023, measures were put in place to mitigate the risk of theft of High Muzzle Energy rifles, help safeguard young people against the misuse of air weapons, tighten the control of miniature rifle ranges, and tackle the unlawful manufacture of ammunition.
In line with statutory guidance which came into effect on 1 November 2021, no one is given a firearms licence unless their doctor has confirmed to the police whether they have any relevant medical conditions, including an assessment of their mental health, and it will make explicit that firearms applicants may be subject to social media checks.
Strengthened controls for licensed gun owners are also now in place to protect the public from those who are medically unfit to own a firearm. A digital marker was rolled out across GP surgeries in England which, once applied to a patient’s record, flags that they have a firearms licence and automatically alert doctors if there has been a relevant change in their medical situation.
The system means GPs can alert the relevant police force, who can then ensure licensed gun holders who may no longer be fit to own a firearm are swiftly identified, their licence reviewed and, if deemed appropriate, their firearm seized.
As you may be aware, the Shadow Home Secretary and Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Shooting and Conservation, along with a number of parliamentary colleagues, wrote to the Home Secretary regarding the announcement of an increase in firearms licensing fees.
These are exorbitant increases for constituents, which will put pressure on hundreds of thousands of people in rural communities who have already suffered as a consequence of Government tax plans. Inflation since 2015 has been 35 per cent, meaning the increases introduced by the Government are up to 4.5 times the rate of inflation. This is wholly unjustified and only adds insult to injury for the hard-working people in rural communities.
I know that people who hold a firearms licence wish to see an effective and efficient firearms licensing system. Many organisations that represent firearms licence holders accept increased fees for full cost recovery, provided the increase is based on consultation, transparent calculations, and is used to fund firearms licensing departments. I am aware that they have stated that none of these conditions have been met.
The letter sent to the Home Secretary stressed that the Home Office needs to work with stakeholders on firearms licensing in the future. There have also been representations made to the Department based on issues raised by stakeholders, including further concerns about firearms licensing that remain unresolved. It is imperative that the Government constructively engages with interested parties and releases all available information about how this increase will fund improvements.
