Jump to contentAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleHis Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services has warned that the firearms licensing system in England and Wales is not fit for purpose and puts public safety at risk. Inspectors highlighted a postcode lottery in scrutiny across 38 local police licensing units, blaming unclear legislation and poor supervision for shortfalls. The inspectorate recommended establishing a single new national firearms licensing authority to ensure consistency and public safety. The warning follows past tragedies, such as the 2021 Plymouth mass shooting, with legally held firearms linked to at least 39 murders in England and Wales over a 10-year period. In response, the Home Office stated that the UK has some of the world's toughest firearms laws and noted that a review of licensing arrangements is already taking place. In fullUK gun laws explained after serious warning issued by inspectorMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
UK gun licensing system not fit for purpose, inspector warns
Jump to contentAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleHis Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services has warned that the firearms licensing system in England and Wales is not fit for purpose and puts public safety at risk. Inspectors highlighted a postcode lottery in scrutiny across 38 local police licensing units, blaming unclear legislation and poor supervision for shortfalls. The inspectorate recommended establishing a single new national firearms licensing authority to ensure consistency and public safety. The warning follows past tragedies, such as the 2021 Plymouth mass shooting, with legally held firearms linked to at least 39 murders in England and Wales over a 10-year period. In response, the Home Office stated that the UK has some of the world's toughest firearms laws and noted that a review of licensing arrangements is already taking place. In fullUK gun laws explained after serious warning issued by inspectorMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
