Firearms policy in the United Kingdom

Firearms

Retrieved on: 
Monday, June 24, 2019

Monday, June 24, 2019In the UK gun ownership is a privilege not a right. Firearms are heavily regulated. Not all guns can be licensed. Individuals seeking to own guns that can be licenced are vetted and approved by the police.

Key Points: 
  • The principal piece of legislation which regulates the possession of firearms and ammunition in Great Britain is the Firearms Act 1968 (as amended).
  • However, there are a further 34 pieces of legislation which contain provisions relating to firearms.
  • The Home Office has published various pieces of guidance relating to firearms, a collection of which can be found on the GOV.UK webpage: Firearms licensing.

Overview of recent policy developments

  • The Law Commission identified several loopholes and made a number of specific recommendations to tighten the law.
  • The inspectorate recommended that the Government review the status of guidance to police forces on their duties in relation to firearms.

Key issues in firearms regulations

    Firearms licensing

    • HMIC found several inconsistencies in the way forces dealt with firearms licensing.
    • They recommended that the Home Office enhance the status of guidance on firearms licensing law, which currently has no statutory footing.

    Antique firearms

    • Antique weapons are largely exempt from firearms regulations so long as they are held as a curiosity or ornament.
    • The Law Commission raised concerns that the law poorly defined antique weapons and that this provided a loophole by which criminals could easily obtain dangerous weapons.

    Air weapons


      Air weapons are largely exempt from the firearms licensing scheme in England and Wales though they are subject to licensing controls in Scotland and Northern Ireland. There have been longstanding concerns about the safe regulation of air weapons and the Government is currently reviewing the legislation. This briefing paper does not discuss air weapons regulation, a separate Library briefing: Air Weapons discusses the issue.

    Other Library brefings about firearms

    Air Weapons

    Retrieved on: 
    Friday, December 28, 2018

    Friday, December 28, 2018Air weapons discharge a projectile by means of compressed air or carbon dioxide. Low-powered air weapons are commonly possessed for target shooting and for vermin control. There have been long standing concerns about the safe use of air weapons. Members of the sport shooting community argue that the current legislative framework is strong enough to police their use.

    Key Points: 
    • There have been long standing concerns about the safe use of air weapons.
    • Statistics on the misuse of air weapons

      In the year ending March 2017, there were 3,200 recorded crimes involving air weapons in England and Wales, which accounted for one third of all crimes involving firearms.

    • Air weapons licensing in the UK

      In England and Wales there is no need to acquire a licence to hold an air weapon.

    • Government review of air weapons regulation

      The Government announced a review on 10 October 2017 of air weapons regulation in England and Wales.