Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Accepted in Part
Paragraph: 34
There is potential for conjugal partners to play a vital role in assessing individuals’ suitability...
Conclusion
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.
Government Response Summary
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.
Paragraph Reference:
34
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
You will see that we are seeking views in the accompanying consultation paper on the recommendations made in respect of interviewing partners and household members of those certificate holders or applicants with a record of violence or subject to allegations of violence. The Government will also look again at making the advice on domestic abuse clearer and emphasise the need to interview partners, relatives, and possibly former partners, if there are allegations of domestic abuse against the certificate holder/applicant. The intention is to publish a further version of the Statutory Guidance by the end of 2023.