Recommendations & Conclusions
102 items
8
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Not Addressed
We have heard concerns about the current UK legislation regarding firearms in the context of Scotland. Firstly, Superintendent Duncan stated that the age of legislation could cause issues. Superintendent Duncan told us that: “legislation is now over 50 years old… there have been amendments to that legislation over that time, …
Government response. The UK Government has noted the Committee’s recommendation in relation to advertising avenues to mental health support for the shooting community and also the points made about the particular challenges faced by rural communities traumatised by fatal shootings, recommending that …
Scotland Office
9
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Secondly, we heard concerns about the language used in the legislation and statutory guidance. Police Scotland told us that subjective language like “intemperate habits” or “unfitted to be entrusted with a firearm” caused potential for different police forces to interpret legislation differently.25
Government response. The government is consulting on whether and how a similar form of leaflet on mental health could be made available throughout the United Kingdom and has been in discussion with the Scottish Government and Police Scotland about the work already …
Scotland Office
10
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Thirdly, shooting organisations like the British Association for Shooting and Conservation have expressed concerns that “there remain too many loopholes for the forces to choose from”.26 They state that this may cause inconsistencies between police forces dealing with firearms, saying “policy decisions are being made on a force-by-force basis. One …
Government response. The government has started a consultation for eight weeks on the recommendations made in the committee's report, the Senior Coroner's report, and the IOPC report.
Scotland Office
11
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Finally, we heard from the Gun Control Network that “[t]he primary weakness in the regulatory system is how the licensing process is conducted”.29 The organisation stated that “the following may have contributed”30 to “failures in the process”31: “Inadequate guidance resulting in, for example, failure to require family and household members …
Government response. The government has started a consultation for eight weeks on the recommendations made in the committee's report, the Senior Coroner's report, and the IOPC report.
Scotland Office
12
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Acknowledged
Each firearms licence application and renewal is processed by the police force in the applicant’s local area.33 Individuals applying for, and renewing, firearms licences must demonstrate that they are not a “danger to public safety or the peace”34, and that “they require their firearm on a regular, legitimate basis for …
Government response. The UK Government acknowledges the committee's recommendations and mentions they have started a consultation on these along with other reports, indicating that further consultation will occur if new legislation is needed.
Scotland Office
13
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
It has been said that Scotland’s system for processing firearms licence applications is “among the best in the UK”.43 While police forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have experienced delays in granting and renewing firearms licences, this is not the case in Scotland.44 Superintendent Steven Duncan, Head of National …
Government response. The government is consulting on the recommendations from the Committee, the Senior Coroner for Plymouth, Torbay and South Devon, and the IOPC, and will bring forward a further consultation on specific Government proposals on legislation if new legislation is deemed …
Scotland Office
14
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
In Scotland, individuals pay fees of £88 for each new firearms licence application and £62 for each firearms licence renewal.51 Superintendent Steven Duncan, Head of National Firearms and Explosives Licensing for Police Scotland, told us that “fees have not been changed for a number of years”.52 However, Rt Hon. Chris …
Government response. The UK Government will consider fees for firearms licensing further when they consult later this summer, informed by a data collection exercise.
Scotland Office
15
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Applicants do not pay for the full cost of their licences. The cost to the police forces processing applications and renewals is higher than the income from licence fees. Some reports state that “the cost of handling a firearms licence application by the licensing departments can differ by up to …
Government response. The government will consider this recommendation further when they consult on new fees for firearms licensing, informed by a data collection exercise to gather up-to-date information on the costs, looking to set fees to enable full-cost recovery for the police.
Scotland Office
16
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Spiers, Strategic Firearms Commander for Police Scotland, told us that the amount generated by the licence fee “goes only a very small way towards supporting some of the costs associated with firearms licensing”.58 Rt Hon. Chris Philp MP of the Home Office told us that “[e]ffectively …
Government response. The UK Government will consider fees for firearms licensing further when they consult later this summer, informed by a data collection exercise, with the aim of setting fees to enable full-cost recovery for the police.
Scotland Office
17
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Moving to a full-cost system for licence fees would free up some more resources for the police forces to spend elsewhere - including being spent on improvements to the licensing process. Assistant Chief Constable Alan Spiers told us that “there is no doubt going forward that the pressure on Police …
Government response. The UK Government will consider the recommendation to move to a full-cost system for license fees further when they consult on new fees for firearms licensing later this summer.
Scotland Office
18
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Dr Colin Shedden, Director Scotland of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, told us that “[t]here is a wide range of people involved in shooting sports, from some who obviously are wealthy and can afford it to those less fortunate, but who can still enjoy the sport”.69 Dr Shedden …
Government response. The UK Government will consider this recommendation further when they consult, later this summer, on new fees for firearms licensing, which will be informed by a data collection exercise.
Scotland Office
19
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
One solution could be a two-tier system of licence fees. This could require those who shoot for leisure to pay the full cost of their firearms licences (with no cost to police forces or the taxpayer), while individuals who shoot for work could have their licences fully or partly funded. …
Government response. The UK Government will consider fees for firearms licensing further when they consult later this summer, informed by a data collection exercise, with the aim of setting fees to enable full-cost recovery for the police.
Scotland Office
20
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
The matter of firearms licence fees is reserved, as they are set by the Home Office. However, the Scottish Government contribute to the working group on licence fees.74 Keith Brown MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice for the Scottish Government who represents the 64 Q150 65 Q150 66 Fieldsports Channel, Police …
Government response. The UK Government will consider this recommendation further when they consult, later this summer, on new fees for firearms licensing, which will be informed by a data collection exercise.
Scotland Office
21
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Rt Hon. Chris Philp MP told us that he endorsed the full-cost system of licence fees - saying that “It is not really fair that the taxpayer generally or police forces subsidise a relatively small group of people” so “the funding of this service… should ultimately fall on the applicant”.78 …
Government response. The UK Government will consider this issue further when they consult on new fees for firearms licensing later this summer.
Scotland Office
22
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
The Minister also told us that a review of the statutory guidance for police forces on firearms licensing is being conducted, one year after its introduction. As part of this review, licence fees are being considered. He told us that “[t]he review is being conducted broadly with that thought in …
Government response. The UK Government will consider the recommendation regarding licence fees further when they consult on new fees for firearms licensing later this summer.
Scotland Office
23
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Police forces’ resources are stretched, so it seems unsatisfactory that they bear most of the cost of processing applications for firearms licences. It would seem desirable to move towards a situation where those people seeking a licence pay a fee to cover the cost of the process that it involves.
Government response. The government will consider the recommendation further when they consult on new fees for firearms licensing, informed by a data collection exercise to gather up-to-date information on costs, looking to set fees to enable full-cost recovery for the police.
Scotland Office
24
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
We recommend that the UK Government put in place a two-tier system of firearms licence costs. This system ought to require individuals who use firearms for leisure to pay the full cost of their licence applications, with no immediate financial cost to police forces or the taxpayer. The second tier …
Government response. The UK Government will consider the recommendation for a two-tier system of firearms licence costs further when they consult on new fees for firearms licensing later this summer.
Scotland Office
25
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Amongst other requirements as part of the licensing process, applicants must give the police character references from two referees who must have known them for at least two years81 and be “of good character”.82 Police will contact at least one referee - whether by telephone, e-mail or home visit.83 Licence …
Government response. The government is consulting on possible changes to the role and participation of referees in the firearms licensing process, as similar issues were raised by the IOPC and in Prevention of Future Deaths reports.
Scotland Office
26
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
By requiring applicants to provide proof that they are considered “fit to be entrusted with a firearm”84, the referee system currently in place was installed with the aim of protecting public safety and the peace. This is the principal consideration in firearms licensing regulations.85 We heard that police forces will …
Government response. The government is consulting on possible changes to the role and participation of referees in the firearms licensing process, as similar issues were raised by the IOPC and in Prevention of Future Deaths reports.
Scotland Office
27
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
During this inquiry, we heard about several problematic issues with the referee system. Firstly, Reverend Gordon Matheson (pastor of the Free Church of Scotland at Sleat and Strath on the Isle of Skye) told us that “canvassing for favourable character references is one of the things people found very difficult”.88 …
Government response. The government is consulting on possible changes to the role and participation of referees in the firearms licensing process, as similar issues were raised by the IOPC and in Prevention of Future Deaths reports.
Scotland Office
28
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
We also heard concerns about applicants putting pressure on people to provide references. Reverend Gordon Matheson told us that people in more remote and rural 81 Home Office, Firearms licensing: statutory guidance for Chief Officers of Police, December 2021, page 6 82 Q193 83 Home Office, Firearms licensing: statutory guidance …
Government response. The government is consulting on possible changes to the role and participation of referees in the firearms licensing process, noting similar issues were raised by the IOPC and in reports issued by the Senior Coroner.
Scotland Office
29
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Accepted in Part
We have heard suggestions that the referee system could be made more robust, if certain people close to applicants could provide information about their suitability to own firearms. For example, in Canada, firearms licence applicants must provide details of their conjugal partners, over a period of two years, and they …
Government response. The government is seeking views on interviewing partners and household members with a record of violence and will look again at making the advice on domestic abuse clearer and emphasise the need to interview partners, relatives, and possibly former partners, …
Scotland Office
30
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Keith Brown MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice for the Scottish Government, stated that “[t]he issue of [ … ..] shopping for referees is an important one”.98 To combat this issue, the Cabinet Secretary suggested that “one way you could go is a statutory duty to report if somebody asked you …
Government response. The government is seeking views in a consultation paper regarding interviewing partners and household members of those certificate holders or applicants with a record of violence and will look again at making the advice on domestic abuse clearer.
Scotland Office
31
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Acknowledged
The Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire for the Home Office, Rt Hon. Chris Philp MP, suggested to us that the referee system could be improved by requiring referees to be drawn from a list of recognised professions.101 This would bring firearms licence applications into line with similar processes, like …
Government response. The government acknowledges the concerns raised and notes that similar issues were raised by the IOPC and the Senior Coroner for Plymouth, Torbay and South Devon and states it is now consulting on possible changes to the role and participation …
Scotland Office
32
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
The referee system has merit in protecting public safety and the peace; but we have significant concerns about the referee system for the firearms licensing process, which must be addressed before it is fit for purpose. These include concerns about applicants 92 Q34 93 Q34 94 Royal Canadian Mounted Police, …
Government response. The government is consulting on possible changes to the role and participation of referees in the firearms licensing process.
Scotland Office
33
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Acknowledged
We recommend that the UK Government conduct a review of the referee system, to determine whether it is fit for purpose. This review ought to address the issue of individuals canvassing for positive references, or putting pressure on people to give positive references (for example, by engaging in the peer …
Government response. The government acknowledges that similar issues regarding the review of referees in the firearms licensing process were raised by the IOPC and in the Prevention of Future Deaths reports, and is consulting on possible changes to the role and participation …
Scotland Office
34
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Accepted in Part
There is potential for conjugal partners to play a vital role in assessing individuals’ suitability to own firearms. In Canada’s firearms licensing system, conjugal partners play a key role in assessing whether applicants are fit to be entrusted with firearm - either by countersigning applications or (if this does not …
Government response. The government is seeking views on interviewing partners/household members with a record/allegations of violence, will look again at advice on domestic abuse, and intends to publish a further version of the Statutory Guidance by the end of 2023.
Scotland Office
35
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Accepted in Part
We recommend that the UK Government change the statutory guidance on firearms licensing to more strongly recommend that police forces involve present and former conjugal partners in the application and renewal process. Echoing the system used in Canada, this could involve police interviewing individual’s present and former conjugal partners as …
Government response. The government will seek views in a consultation paper on interviewing partners and household members with a record or allegations of violence, and will look at clarifying advice on domestic abuse, with the intention to publish a further version of …
Scotland Office
36
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
As the Scottish Government told us: “The purpose of firearms licensing regulation is to protect public safety”.106 It is important for public safety that people can raise concerns about individuals who own, or are applying to own, firearms - for example, to express concerns about someone’s mental health.107 It is …
Government response. The government is seeking views on creating a new reporting service in an accompanying consultation paper, including whether a specific phoneline should be introduced and how it might be funded.
Scotland Office
37
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Currently, there are several ways in which people can report concerns to the police. One way is to call the 101 service for non-emergency incidents. Fraser Lamb, Firearms Licensing Adviser for the Scottish Association for Country Sports, told us that police will ask firearms licence applicants’ referees: “‘Would you know …
Government response. The government has noted the recommendation about creating a new reporting service and are seeking views on this in the accompanying consultation paper.
Scotland Office
38
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
We have, however, also heard calls for a dedicated hotline to augment these existing ways to contact the police, which people could use to report concerns about firearms owners anonymously. Dr Michael North, a founding member of the Gun Control Network, stated that “it is sometimes very difficult”112 to contact …
Government response. The government has noted the recommendation about creating a new reporting service and are seeking views on this in the accompanying consultation paper.
Scotland Office
39
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Several witnesses have told us that establishing a new hotline may not be necessary, as there are other existing ways to raise concerns. For example, Assistant Chief Constable Spiers told us that already “there are a range of ways in which we encourage family, friends and clubs to make contact …
Government response. The government is seeking views on creating a new reporting service, including whether a specific phoneline should be introduced, how this might be funded, or whether existing services offer a better way to achieve the purpose, via a consultation paper.
Scotland Office
40
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
We have heard that there may be challenges involved with establishing and advertising a new hotline. One challenge may be resourcing. Assistant Chief Constable Spiers told us that there are “a number of challenges that Police Scotland would face depending on the future funding of Police Scotland”119, which may make …
Government response. The government has noted the recommendation about creating a new reporting service and are seeking views on this in the accompanying consultation paper.
Scotland Office
41
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
However, the Cabinet Secretary further told us that - while “We should always keep an open mind on these things” - “I am not sure that a hotline would add a great deal”.122 The Cabinet Secretary stated that there are “ways in which people can already get in touch with …
Government response. The government is seeking views on creating a new reporting service in an accompanying consultation paper, including whether a specific phoneline should be introduced and how it might be funded.
Scotland Office
42
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
We heard that, previously, the Home Office have participated in discussions about establishing a hotline. Dr Michael North told us that the Gun Control Network “have talked to the Home Office about it and it looked as though there may have been money set aside for it… but it never …
Government response. The government is seeking views on creating a new reporting service, including whether a specific phoneline should be introduced, how this might be funded, or whether existing services offer a better way to achieve the purpose, via a consultation paper.
Scotland Office
43
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
A single, dedicated channel for reporting concerns about people who own, or are applying to own, firearms could make that process simpler and easier. However, a dedicated hotline may be too difficult to resource and we are very much aware of the challenges around advertising such a new hotline, such …
Government response. The government has noted the recommendation about creating a new reporting service and are seeking views on this in the accompanying consultation paper.
Scotland Office
44
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
We therefore recommend that the UK Government conduct a review investigating the merits of creating a new service within the 101 service, which could direct callers towards call-handlers with firearms expertise (in the same way as the lifeboat and mountain rescue services are reached via the 999 emergency control centre). …
Government response. The government is seeking views on creating a new reporting service, including whether a specific phoneline should be introduced, how this might be funded, or whether existing services offer a better way to achieve the purpose, via a consultation paper.
Scotland Office
45
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Acknowledged
The review also could investigate alternatives to a hotline, such as means by which to better advertise existing methods of raising concerns (like the 101 and 999 services). This could include specifying gun-related concerns on the online reporting form for Police Scotland. We are aware that this specific matter is …
Government response. The government has noted the Committee’s recommendation around creating a new reporting service and is seeking views on this in the accompanying consultation paper.
Scotland Office
46
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Any such review ought to include a survey of the public, to ascertain the public’s general understanding of how to use existing methods to raise concerns to the police. 120 Q186 121 Q185 122 Q185-Q186 123 Q185 124 Q185 125 Q23 126 Q215 127 Q215 128 Q215 18 Firearms licensing …
Government response. The government is seeking views on creating a new reporting service, including whether a specific phoneline should be introduced, how this might be funded, or whether existing services offer a better way to achieve the purpose, via a consultation paper.
Scotland Office
47
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
We heard (for example, from Reverend Gordon Matheson) that people close to an individual may not know that they own, or are applying to own, firearms.129 This lack of knowledge may prevent family and friends from reporting concerns about an individual who is not best placed to own firearms (for …
Government response. The government is seeking views in a consultation paper regarding interviewing partners and household members of certificate holders or applicants with a record of violence and will look again at making the advice on domestic abuse clearer.
Scotland Office
48
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
It has been suggested that these issues could be addressed by assigning unique reference numbers to firearms licence applications and renewal applications. Police forces in the UK already give application numbers to applicants and certificate numbers to people who have been granted firearms licences130, and personal identification numbers and application …
Government response. The government is consulting on possible changes to the role and participation of referees in the firearms licensing process, as similar issues were raised by the IOPC and the Senior Coroner for Plymouth, Torbay and South Devon.
Scotland Office
49
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Acknowledged
Using application reference numbers in this way could allow police and individuals to communicate effectively, when individuals contact the police to express concern about those who own firearms, or are applying for firearms licences. This could also help to simplify internal communications for police.
Government response. The government noted that similar issues were raised by both the IOPC and in the Prevention of Future Deaths reports and are consulting on possible changes to the role and participation of referees in the firearms licensing process.
Scotland Office
50
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
So that concerns can be raised at the earliest opportunity, Reverend Gordon Matheson suggested that people seeking a reference should need to provide potential referees with their unique application reference number.132 This would mean that, if someone has concerns about an application which is in the process of being made, …
Government response. The government is consulting on possible changes to the role and participation of referees in the firearms licensing process, as similar issues were raised by the IOPC and the Senior Coroner for Plymouth, Torbay and South Devon.
Scotland Office
51
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
We heard from several witnesses that it is important that reference numbers would not be related to an openly available register of firearms. Reverend Gordon Matheson stated that “for good reasons… you don’t want public awareness of who everyone with a firearm is”.134 Similarly, Dr Colin Shedden, Director Scotland for …
Government response. The response redirects the focus to the review of referees in the firearms licensing process, noting similar issues raised by the IOPC and the Senior Coroner for Plymouth, Torbay and South Devon and stating that they are consulting on possible …
Scotland Office
52
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
It would be valuable to have a single, simple means by which to identify people applying for a firearms licence about whom concerns have been raised, to assist police when investigating these concerns.
Government response. The government is seeking views on creating a new reporting service in an accompanying consultation paper, including whether a specific phoneline should be introduced and how it might be funded.
Scotland Office
53
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
We recommend that, when approaching potential referees, applicants would be required by police to share their unique application reference numbers with those referees. This would make it simpler to report concerns about applicants to the police. Such a system would be valuable both for those who decline to give references, …
Government response. The government is consulting on possible changes to the role and participation of referees in the firearms licensing process, as similar issues were raised by the IOPC and the Senior Coroner for Plymouth, Torbay and South Devon.
Scotland Office
54
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Acknowledged
Firearms licences are valid for five years.138 Before their licences lapse, individuals must apply to their local police force for renewal. At that point, police review individuals’ suitability to own firearms by carrying out much the same process as for licence applications. The renewal process, however, differs slightly from the …
Government response. The government has noted the recommendation that the current renewal period of five years remain in place but that it should be kept under review and is seeking views on this issue in the consultation paper.
Scotland Office
55
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Acknowledged
Various parties have suggested changes to the period between an initial firearms licence application and its renewal.142 Some of our witnesses (like the Gun Control Network143) told us that the renewal period should be shorter, while others (like the British Association for Shooting and Conservation144) told us that the renewal …
Government response. The government has noted the recommendation regarding the renewal period and are seeking views on this issue in the consultation paper.
Scotland Office
56
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
We heard in evidence about some of the potential benefits of shortening the length of time before a renewal was required. Dr Michael North (a founding member of the Gun Control Network) told us that the Gun Control Network “would certainly argue in favour of a shorter period… [because] some …
Government response. The government has noted the committee's recommendation to keep the five-year renewal period under review and is seeking views on this issue in the consultation paper.
Scotland Office
57
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Acknowledged
Various commentators have pointed out the disadvantages of shortening the renewal period. The Home Affairs Committee concluded in its 2010 report, Firearms control, that it had not “seen any evidence to suggest that there has been an increase in misuse of lethal firearms since the period was increased from three …
Government response. The government has noted the Committee’s recommendation that the current renewal period of five years remain in place but that it should be kept under review and is seeking views on this issue in the consultation paper.
Scotland Office
58
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Acknowledged
However, we heard from Dr Colin Shedden, Director Scotland for the British Association of Shooting and Conservation, that shooting organisations have “an expectation that we could move to 10 years”152 between an original licence application and its renewal. Dr Shedden questioned “why waste more police time at these renewals, when …
Government response. The government has noted the recommendation to keep the current renewal period of five years under review and are seeking views on this issue in the consultation paper.
Scotland Office
59
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Overall, there is no general agreement on whether the current five-year renewal period should be shortened or lengthened. This means that there may be little value in changing it. Presently, Superintendent Duncan stated, “the reality is that a large majority of the renewals pass through the system without any further …
Government response. The government has noted the Committee’s recommendation that the current renewal period of five years remain in place but that it should be kept under review and is seeking views on this issue in the consultation paper.
Scotland Office
60
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Acknowledged
Keith Brown MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice for the Scottish Government, told us that “you would likely want to have shorter timescales”159 for firearms licence renewal periods, and that this is “certainly something worth looking at”.160 However, the Cabinet Secretary stated that “if we are to reduce it, of course, …
Government response. The government has noted the recommendation to keep the current renewal period of five years under review and are seeking views on this issue in the consultation paper.
Scotland Office
61
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Rt Hon. Chris Philp MP, Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire for the Home Office, summarised the advantages and disadvantages of shortening and lengthening the firearms licence renewal period: “If the length of time were reduced, it would catch change in circumstances faster but, equally, it would impose a higher …
Government response. The government has noted the committee's recommendation that the current renewal period of five years remain in place, but is seeking views on this issue in the consultation paper.
Scotland Office
62
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
The Minister told us that “[i]t is a balance… [t]he balance is currently struck at five years”.165 He suggested that the Home Office would be willing to consider reviewing the firearms licence renewal period, saying: “we are very happy to look at evidence arguing both ways… I would be very …
Government response. The government has noted the committee's recommendation that the current renewal period of five years remain in place, but is seeking views on this issue in the consultation paper.
Scotland Office
63
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Acknowledged
We have heard that the current renewal period of five years is appropriate. We have heard that there is scope to consider lengthening the renewal period in order to free police resources, although we are concerned that this would reduce the ability 157 Q115 158 Q123 159 Q160 160 Q161 …
Government response. The UK Government has noted the Committee’s conclusion that the current renewal period of five years should remain in place but that it should be kept under review and they are seeking views on this issue in the consultation paper.
Scotland Office
64
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Acknowledged
We recommend that the current renewal period of five years remain in place for the time being. However, we recommend that the renewal period should be kept under review, particularly if an alternative, workable method of mental health monitoring and assessment were to be introduced, which we look at in …
Government response. The government has noted the recommendation to keep the renewal period under review and is seeking views on this issue in the consultation paper.
Scotland Office
65
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Rejected
There are differences in requirements which applicants must meet, in order to obtain firearms licences and shotgun licences. Although legislation related to air weapons is devolved167, Superintendent Duncan told us that “the air weapons test is effectively the same test that would be applied to a firearm”168 - further highlighting …
Government response. The government has decided not to proceed with the recommendations made to align shotgun and firearms legislation, stating that shotguns are already subject to significant controls and that additional controls are unnecessary and would have a negative impact on their …
Scotland Office
66
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Rejected
Superintendent Steven Duncan, Head of National Firearms and Explosives Licensing for Police Scotland, told us that, to obtain firearms licences, “you have been deemed to be fit to be entrusted, that you have had good reason for the possession of the firearm, and that that possession would be without danger …
Government response. The government decided not to proceed with the recommendations made to align shotgun and firearms legislation due to the fact that shotguns are already subject to significant controls and they are important in helping farmers control vermin on their land …
Scotland Office
67
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Rejected
Additionally, the number of referees required to obtain firearms licences is higher than for shotgun licences.172 Superintendent Duncan told us that “For a firearm application you are required to provide two referees, for a shotgun application, you are required to provide one”.173
Government response. The government has decided not to proceed with the recommendations to align shotgun and firearms legislation, stating that shotguns are already subject to controls and additional controls are unnecessary.
Scotland Office
68
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Rejected
The differences between firearms and shotgun legislation extend beyond obtaining licences - there are also differences related to revoking licences. Superintendent Duncan stated that: “if you lose your good reason to possess a firearm, we are empowered to withdraw your certificate. However, the same cannot be said for shotguns: if …
Government response. The government has decided not to proceed with aligning shotgun and firearms legislation, citing the importance of shotguns for farmers and rural pursuits and expressing concern that additional controls are unnecessary and would negatively impact legitimate use, but will keep …
Scotland Office
69
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Rejected
Rt Hon. Chris Philp MP, Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire for the Home Office, stated that “the test is set differently … [because] there are many people particularly in rural communities, and including across Scotland as much as anywhere else, where the possession and use of shotguns are part …
Government response. The government has decided not to proceed with the recommendations made to align shotgun and firearms legislation, citing public safety balanced with the fact that most licensed firearms holders are law abiding and the importance of shotguns for farmers and …
Scotland Office
70
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Rejected
Police and officials pointed out the inconsistencies between firearms and shotgun licensing requirements, as described in legislation. To resolve these inconsistencies, they were clear that shotgun licensing requirements ought to be brought into line with licensing requirements for firearms and air weapons. These inconsistencies include: • applicants for shotgun licences …
Government response. The government has decided not to proceed with the recommendations made to align shotgun and firearms legislation, arguing that shotguns are already subject to significant controls and additional controls are unnecessary.
Scotland Office
71
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Rejected
We recommend that the UK Government make the the legislation related to shotgun licences consistent with legislation related to firearms and air weapon licences. We recommend that the UK Government change shotgun licence legislation to require people applying for shotgun licences to demonstrate that they are ‘fit to be entrusted’ …
Government response. The government has decided not to proceed with the recommendations made to align shotgun and firearms legislation, citing public safety balanced with the fact that most licensed firearms holders are law abiding and the importance of shotguns for farmers and …
Scotland Office
72
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Accepted
Medical assessments for firearms licence holders were being carried out in Scotland for several years before they were statutorily introduced in the UK. Keith Brown MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice for the Scottish Government, stated that Police Scotland have undertaken “mental health checks… going back to 2016”180, while Rt Hon. …
Government response. The government highlighted the significant strengthening of medical checks, including the digital firearms marker in England, and stated their readiness to work with the Scottish Government if they decide to introduce the digital marker in Scotland. Also, they are consulting …
Scotland Office
73
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Acknowledged
GPs’ involvement is key to the firearms licensing process. For example, Superintendent Steven Duncan, Head of National Firearms and Explosives Licensing for Police Scotland, told us: “We are quite clear that if your GP practice is not willing to put a flag on to your medical records, you are not …
Government response. The government describes the strengthening of medical checks, including the digital firearms marker in England, and says it is ready to work with the Scottish Government if they decide to introduce a similar marker.
Scotland Office
74
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Acknowledged
A key issue covered in firearms licensing is safety, in which firearms owners’ mental health plays a crucial role. The Home Office’s statutory guidance requires individuals who are applying for and renewing firearms licences to disclose relevant conditions like drug and alcohol related conditions184, depression, anxiety, and dementia.185 Since the …
Government response. The government acknowledges the strengthening of medical checks for firearms licensing and the development of a digital firearms marker in England, and stands ready to work with the Scottish Government if they decide to introduce the digital marker to GP …
Scotland Office
75
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Accepted in Part
GPs can place ‘flags’ on patients’ medical records to alert clinicians that individuals own firearms.187 Both policy experts advocating gun control and shooting associations have expressed concern that the flagging system is inadequate. Professor Peter Squires, Professor Emeritus of Criminology and Public Policy at the University of Brighton, has stated …
Government response. The UK Government acknowledges the recommendation and highlights the development of a new digital firearms marker in England, offering to work with the Scottish Government if they decide to introduce a similar marker in Scotland; they are also seeking views …
Scotland Office
76
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Acknowledged
Keith Brown MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice for the Scottish Government, told us: “We are aware that there can sometimes be some technical challenges to using the marker, for example when a patient moves between practices, and we are continuing to work with the police and with doctors”.191 The Cabinet …
Government response. The government acknowledges the strengthening of medical checks for firearms licensing and the development of a digital firearms marker in England, and stands ready to work with the Scottish Government if they decide to introduce the digital marker to GP …
Scotland Office
77
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Acknowledged
The GP flagging system is valuable, but we believe that it could be strengthened in order to make it as effective as possible.
Government response. The government describes the strengthening of medical checks, including the digital firearms marker in England, and says it is ready to work with the Scottish Government if they decide to introduce a similar marker.
Scotland Office
78
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Accepted in Part
We recommend that the UK Government and the Scottish Government work together to review the GP flagging system. This review could address issues including communication between medical practitioners and the police, and problems which arise when firearms owners move medical practices. Medical reports by GPs
Government response. The UK Government acknowledges the recommendation and highlights the development of a new digital firearms marker in England, offering to work with the Scottish Government if they decide to introduce a similar marker in Scotland; they are also seeking views …
Scotland Office
79
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Acknowledged
If a GP conscientiously objects to firearms, they might refuse to engage with the licensing process.193 In this case, applicants must obtain a report from another licensed medical practitioner.194 The British Medical Association supports GPs’ right to conscientiously object to engaging with the firearms licensing process, and further states that …
Government response. The government describes the strengthening of medical checks, including the digital firearms marker in England, and says it is ready to work with the Scottish Government if they decide to introduce a similar marker.
Scotland Office
80
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Acknowledged
Dr Colin Shedden, Director Scotland for the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, told us that “the fact that GPs are not legally obliged to participate, so they can opt out under the conscientious objector banner” is “the one area that we do have concern about”197 in the firearms licensing …
Government response. The UK Government acknowledges the committee's discussion around the GP role in firearms licensing and points to actions underway, including a digital marker in England and an offer to work with the Scottish Government if they wish to implement a …
Scotland Office
81
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Acknowledged
However, it may not be necessary to make GPs’ involvement mandatory. We heard from Superintendent Steven Duncan, Head of National Firearms and Explosives Licensing for Police Scotland, that the number of GPs who choose not to provide medical reports as part of the licensing process is “incredibly low”199, which was …
Government response. The UK Government acknowledges the committee's discussion around the GP role in firearms licensing and points to actions underway, including a digital marker in England and an offer to work with the Scottish Government if they wish to implement a …
Scotland Office
82
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Accepted in Part
We recommend that the UK Government and Scottish Government work together to consult GPs on whether GPs’ engagement with the firearms licensing process should be made mandatory. GPs’ compulsory engagement may help GPs to flag health issues affecting firearms owners’ suitability to police more quickly and easily. Although this inquiry …
Government response. The UK Government stands ready to work with the Scottish Government if they decide to introduce the digital marker to GP surgeries in Scotland and will work with the Scottish Government, if it decides that it wishes to adopt a …
Scotland Office
83
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Acknowledged
If a review concludes that it is inadvisable to make GPs’ engagement with the firearms licensing process mandatory, we recommend that statutory guidance emphasise the strong expectation that GPs who object conscientiously to engaging with the firearms licensing process will pass on applicants to another GP in the same practice, …
Government response. The government highlights strengthening of medical checks, the digital firearms marker in England, and statutory guidance. The Home Office will work with the Scottish Government if it decides to introduce the digital marker to GP surgeries in Scotland, and is …
Scotland Office
84
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Acknowledged
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health says that an individual’s mental health “can change in a short period of time and fluctuate rapidly”.203 Despite this, in- depth checks are carried out on firearms owners only at initial applications and at five- yearly renewals. Dr North, a founding member of …
Government response. The government describes the strengthening of medical checks, including the digital firearms marker in England, and says it is ready to work with the Scottish Government if they decide to introduce a similar marker.
Scotland Office
85
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Acknowledged
Interim medical checks at regular intervals would enable GPs, and thus potentially police, to become aware of changes in individuals’ mental health during the life of firearms licences. Noticing changes soon after they emerge may mean that individuals could be given help before they experience significant deterioration in their mental …
Government response. The government describes the strengthening of medical checks, including the digital firearms marker in England, and says it is ready to work with the Scottish Government if they decide to introduce a similar marker.
Scotland Office
86
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Acknowledged
We heard from some witnesses that more checks which could detect changes in licence holders’ mental health and suitability to own firearms are not needed. Dr Colin Shedden, Director Scotland for the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, stated that “individual certificate holders are under practical 24-hour-a-day surveillance now”214 by …
Government response. The government acknowledges the recommendations for changes to the GP role in firearms licensing, notes the strengthening of medical checks including the digital firearms marker in England, and states it stands ready to work with the Scottish Government if they …
Scotland Office
87
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
We recommend that the UK Government and Scottish Government work together to investigate the merits of medical practitioners and police conducting interim checks on firearms licence holders. These checks would take place between licence application and renewal. Interim checks would allow police to observe more accelerated changes in individuals’ mental …
Government response. The government is seeking views on the merits of medical practitioners and police conducting interim checks on firearms licence holders in the consultation paper and highlighted the existing digital marker program.
Scotland Office
88
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Accepted in Part
We heard concerns that firearms owners might not inform authority figures that they are suffering from poor mental health for fear of repercussions. For example, Dr Michael North, a founding member of the Gun Control Network, stated that firearms licence holders “will not consult with a GP or anybody else …
Government response. The government is consulting on the 'buddy' initiatives recommendation and is working with police and shooting bodies to define the role of gun club liaison officers, intending to explore whether this model can be applied more widely to other shooting …
Scotland Office
89
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Acknowledged
However, Dr North stated that “[i]t is telling how many cases there have been where somebody’s poor mental health has been apparent retrospectively and then it has been revealed that somebody close to them was well aware of it, yet the system does not have a way of dealing with …
Government response. The government is consulting on 'buddy' initiatives and highlighting the revised role for gun club liaison officers, exploring whether this model can be applied more widely.
Scotland Office
90
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Accepted in Part
For this reason, it may be advisable to set up more formal ‘buddy’ initiatives within shooting organisations. This could involve each member of a shooting organisation having a ‘buddy’ with whom they check in regularly - allowing buddies to notice any changes in each other’s mental health in a timely …
Government response. The government is consulting on the 'buddy' initiatives recommendation and is working with police and shooting bodies to define the role of gun club liaison officers, intending to explore whether this model can be applied more widely to other shooting …
Scotland Office
91
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Acknowledged
Shooting organisations already have informal ways of supporting their members who are experiencing poor mental health, such as providing open channels for members to discuss mental health with leaders of organisations, who then raise concerns with police where necessary. Nick Hunt, Head of the Firearms Policy Unit at the Home …
Government response. The government is consulting on 'buddy' initiatives and highlighting the revised role for gun club liaison officers, exploring whether this model can be applied more widely.
Scotland Office
92
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Accepted in Part
Presently, there is no formal channel by which shooting organisations may raise concerns about their members with the police. Assistant Chief Constable Alan Spiers, Strategic Firearms Commander for Police Scotland, noted that, at the moment, “[t]here is a great responsibility placed on shooting organisations and clubs to highlight concerns”225 of …
Government response. The government is consulting on 'buddy' initiatives and intends to highlight the revised role for gun club liaison officers, and explore whether this model might be applied more widely to other shooting clubs.
Scotland Office
93
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Accepted
Encouraging shooting organisations to have formal buddy initiatives may also create spaces in which firearms licence holders feel comfortable with discussing their mental health. This could be an important way to help improve individuals’ mental health, so that it does not become problematic for them or for public safety - …
Government response. The government has been working with the police and shooting representative bodies to bring greater definition to the role of gun club liaison officers and intends to highlight this revised role and explore whether this model might be applied more …
Scotland Office
94
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Accepted in Part
We recommend that the UK Government and Scottish Government encourage and support the creation of ‘buddy’ initiatives for firearms owners. Buddy initiatives could be integrated into shooting organisations, workplaces and sporting clubs. Buddy initiatives would enable individuals to recognise and raise concerns about changes in their buddies’ mental health. This …
Government response. The government is consulting on 'buddy' initiatives and will work with police and shooting bodies to highlight the revised role for gun club liaison officers, and then explore whether and how this model might be applied more widely to other …
Scotland Office
95
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Acknowledged
As mentioned above, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation stated that “some certificate holders may be unwilling to seek medical assistance if they feel that this could affect their suitability to retain their certificate(s)”.229 Consequently, Fraser Lamb, Firearms Licensing Adviser for the Scottish Association for Country Sports, told us …
Government response. The UK government acknowledges the challenges faced by rural communities and mentions that they are consulting regarding mental health support, highlighting existing initiatives that can be delivered remotely.
Scotland Office
96
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Acknowledged
One result of this work is the distribution of leaflets about mental health, aimed specifically at individuals who shoot for work or leisure, which outline “sources of help and advice”.231 The British Association for Shooting and Conservation told us that this includes the Scottish Firearms and Explosives Licensing Practitioners Group’s …
Government response. The government has noted the Committee’s recommendation in relation to advertising avenues to mental health support for the shooting community and is consulting and would welcome views on this recommendation.
Scotland Office
97
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Acknowledged
As the shooting community has started advertising mental health support services of their own accord, it may be productive for the UK Government to support further efforts.
Government response. The UK Government has noted the Committee’s recommendation in relation to advertising avenues to mental health support for the shooting community and is consulting and would welcome views on whether and how a similar form of leaflet on mental health …
Scotland Office
98
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
We recommend that the UK Government support the shooting community in advertising avenues to mental health support, to build on the recent release of leaflets about mental health in that community. We recommend that the UK Government ask the Scottish Government to join this effort in advertising mental health services …
Government response. The UK Government is consulting on whether and how a similar form of leaflet on mental health could be made available throughout the United Kingdom, and has been in discussion with the Scottish Government and Police Scotland about the work …
Scotland Office
99
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
The tragic incident on the Isle of Skye highlighted the particular challenges faced by rural communities traumatised by fatal shootings. In relation to mental health generally, the British Shooting Sports Council told us that “the isolation inherent in some rural communities and occupations is well known to represent an area …
Government response. The government is consulting on whether and how a leaflet on mental health could be made available throughout the United Kingdom, and is in discussion with the Scottish Government and Police Scotland about the work already undertaken in Scotland.
Scotland Office
100
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Acknowledged
However, in relation to specific incidents, Reverend Gordon Matheson told us that “[t]here are issues around the subsequent trauma that people have experienced and accessing counselling care for that”.238 This issue is compounded by the relative lack of policing and medical infrastructure which can respond to traumatic incidents. For example, …
Government response. The UK government acknowledges the challenges faced by rural communities and mentions that they are consulting regarding mental health support, highlighting existing initiatives that can be delivered remotely.
Scotland Office
101
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Accepted
We are concerned by the reports we heard about the impacts of fatal shootings which take place in rural communities in Scotland. It is clear to us that these communities should be provided with appropriate support where needed.
Government response. The government noted the committee's recommendation and is consulting on whether and how a similar form of leaflet on mental health could return to more in-person face to face delivery, activity can still be delivered via remote technologies and that …
Scotland Office
102
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Accepted
We recommend that the UK Government and Scottish Government work together either to put mental health resources like counselling in place in remote rural communities, or to ensure that mental health resources can be easily accessed in rural communities when tragedies involving firearms occur. 239 Q66 240 Q37 32 Firearms …
Government response. The government noted the committee's recommendation and is consulting on whether and how a similar form of leaflet on mental health could return to more in-person face to face delivery, activity can still be delivered via remote technologies and that …
Scotland Office
1
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Police forces’ resources are stretched, so it seems unsatisfactory that they bear most of the cost of processing applications for firearms licences. It would seem desirable to move towards a situation where those people seeking a licence pay a fee to cover the cost of the process that it involves.
Government response. The government stated that it will consider the recommendation for a two-tier system of licensing fees further when they consult, later this summer, on new fees for firearms licensing, which will be informed by a data collection exercise to gather …
Scotland Office
2
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
We recommend that the UK Government put in place a two-tier system of firearms licence costs. This system ought to require individuals who use firearms for leisure to pay the full cost of their licence applications, with no immediate financial cost to police forces or the taxpayer. The second tier …
Government response. The government will consider the recommendation for a two-tier system of licensing fees further when consulting on new fees for firearms licensing later this summer, which will be informed by a data collection exercise.
Scotland Office
3
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Acknowledged
The referee system has merit in protecting public safety and the peace; but we have significant concerns about the referee system for the firearms licensing process, which must be addressed before it is fit for purpose. These include concerns about applicants canvassing for referees, and lack of mandatory consultation with …
Government response. The government acknowledges the concerns raised and notes that similar issues were raised by the IOPC and the Senior Coroner for Plymouth, Torbay and South Devon and states it is now consulting on possible changes to the role and participation …
Scotland Office
4
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
We recommend that the UK Government conduct a review of the referee system, to determine whether it is fit for purpose. This review ought to address the issue of individuals canvassing for positive references, or putting pressure on people to give positive references (for example, by engaging in the peer …
Government response. The government is consulting on possible changes to the role and participation of referees in the firearms licensing process.
Scotland Office
5
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Accepted in Part
There is potential for conjugal partners to play a vital role in assessing individuals’ suitability to own firearms. In Canada’s firearms licensing system, conjugal partners play a key role in assessing whether applicants are fit to be entrusted with firearm - either by countersigning applications or (if this does not …
Government response. The government is seeking views on interviewing partners/household members with a record/allegations of violence, will look again at advice on domestic abuse, and intends to publish a further version of the Statutory Guidance by the end of 2023.
Scotland Office
6
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Accepted in Part
We recommend that the UK Government change the statutory guidance on firearms licensing to more strongly recommend that police forces involve present and former conjugal partners in the application and renewal process. Echoing the system used in Canada, this could involve police interviewing individual’s present and former conjugal partners as …
Government response. The government will seek views in a consultation paper on interviewing partners and household members with a record or allegations of violence, and will look at clarifying advice on domestic abuse, with the intention to publish a further version of …
Scotland Office
7
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
A single, dedicated channel for reporting concerns about people who own, or are applying to own, firearms could make that process simpler and easier. However, a dedicated hotline may be too difficult to resource and we are very much aware of the challenges around advertising such a new hotline, such …
Government response. The government has noted the recommendation around creating a new reporting service and is seeking views on this in the accompanying consultation paper.
Scotland Office