Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Third Report - Firearms licensing regulations in Scotland
Scottish Affairs Committee
HC 710
Published 22 December 2022
Recommendations
70
Rejected
Police and officials pointed out the inconsistencies between firearms and shotgun licensing requirements, as described...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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
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71
Rejected
We recommend that the UK Government make the the legislation related to shotgun licences consistent...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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 rural pursuits.
Scotland Office
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Conclusions (5)
65
Conclusion
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 Summary
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 legitimate use; but the government will keep this under review.
66
Conclusion
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 Summary
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 and in rural pursuits.
67
Conclusion
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 Summary
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.
68
Conclusion
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 Summary
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 it under review.
69
Conclusion
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 Summary
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 rural pursuits.