Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 3
3
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 32
The referee system has merit in protecting public safety and the peace; but we have...
Conclusion
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 people close to firearms licence applicants. We heard from a former Head of Firearms Licensing for Police Scotland, he “saw no practical merit in having referees”.
Government Response Summary
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 of referees.
Paragraph Reference:
32
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
With regard to the Committee’s recommendations around the review of referees in the firearms licensing process, it is worth noting that similar issues were raised by both the IOPC and in the Prevention of Future Deaths reports issued by the Senior Coroner for Plymouth, Torbay and South Devon. You will see that we are now consulting on possible changes to the role and participation of referees in the firearms licensing process.