Recommendation 5

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 happen) discussing the Firearms licensing regulations in Scotland 33 application with police. Following Canada’s example by involving conjugal partners more closely in the UK’s firearms licensing process could help to ensure that only people who meet the statutory guidance’s suitability requirements are granted firearms licences.