Firearms licensing regulations in Scotland
Scottish Affairs Committee
Closed
Inquiry
Firearms licensing regulations in Scotland The Committee will be inquiring into firearms licensing regulations and their impact in Scotland. We want to hear about whether current arrangements around firearms licenses are appropriate, or whether changes to those arrangements (including legislation) should be made. Read the call for evidence for more …
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27
Recommendations
75
Conclusions
1
Report
3
Oral sessions
5
Letters
4
Events
Activity timeline 14 events
5 Jul
2023
2023
16 May
2023
2023
21 Feb
2023
2023
7 Feb
2023
2023
22 Dec
2022
2022
Report published
19 Dec
2022
2022
19 Dec
2022
2022
Formal meeting (private meeting) · Room 16, Palace of Westminster
6 Dec
2022
2022
21 Nov
2022
2022
Oral evidence
21 Nov
2022
2022
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 6, Palace of Westminster
31 Oct
2022
2022
Oral evidence
31 Oct
2022
2022
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 15, Palace of Westminster
Oral evidence sessions 3 sessions
21 Nov 2022
View on parliament.uk
Nick Hunt · Home Office
Rt Hon Chris Philp MP · Home Office
31 Oct 2022
View on parliament.uk
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Speirs · Police Scotland
Jamie MacQueen · Scottish Government
Keith Brown MSP · Scottish Government
Paul Allen · Scottish Government
Superintendent Steven Duncan · Police Scotland
24 Oct 2022
View on parliament.uk
Dr Colin Shedden · British Association for Shooting and Conservation
Dr Michael North · Gun Control Network
Fraser Lamb · Scottish Association for Country Sports
Gordon Matheson · Free Church of Scotland
Reports 1 report · click to expand
| Title | HC No. | Published | Items | Response |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Third Report - Firearms licensing regulations in Scotland | HC 710 | 22 Dec 2022 | 102 | Responded |
Recommendations & Conclusions
30 results
12
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Third Report - Firearms licensing …
Each firearms licence application and renewal is processed by the police force in the applicant’s...
Each firearms licence application and renewal is processed by the police force in the applicant’s local area.33 Individuals applying for, and renewing, firearms licences must demonstrate that they are not a “danger to public safety or the peace”34, and that …
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Government Response
The UK Government acknowledges the committee's recommendations and mentions they have started a consultation on these along with other reports, indicating that further consultation will occur if new legislation is needed.
Scotland Office
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31
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Third Report - Firearms licensing …
The Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire for the Home Office, Rt Hon.
The Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire for the Home Office, Rt Hon. Chris Philp MP, suggested to us that the referee system could be improved by requiring referees to be drawn from a list of recognised professions.101 This would …
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Government Response
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.
Scotland Office
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33
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Third Report - Firearms licensing …
We recommend that the UK Government conduct a review of the referee system, to determine...
We recommend that the UK Government conduct a review of the referee system, to determine whether it is fit for purpose. This review ought to address the issue of individuals canvassing for positive references, or putting pressure on people to …
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Government Response
The government acknowledges that similar issues regarding the review of referees in the firearms licensing process were raised by the IOPC and in the Prevention of Future Deaths reports, and is consulting on possible changes to the role and participation of referees.
Scotland Office
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45
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Third Report - Firearms licensing …
The review also could investigate alternatives to a hotline, such as means by which to...
The review also could investigate alternatives to a hotline, such as means by which to better advertise existing methods of raising concerns (like the 101 and 999 services). This could include specifying gun-related concerns on the online reporting form for …
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Government Response
The government has noted the Committee’s recommendation around creating a new reporting service and is seeking views on this in the accompanying consultation paper.
Scotland Office
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49
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Third Report - Firearms licensing …
Using application reference numbers in this way could allow police and individuals to communicate effectively,...
Using application reference numbers in this way could allow police and individuals to communicate effectively, when individuals contact the police to express concern about those who own firearms, or are applying for firearms licences. This could also help to simplify …
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Government Response
The government noted that similar issues were raised by both the IOPC and in the Prevention of Future Deaths reports and are consulting on possible changes to the role and participation of referees in the firearms licensing process.
Scotland Office
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54
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Third Report - Firearms licensing …
Firearms licences are valid for five years.138 Before their licences lapse, individuals must apply to...
Firearms licences are valid for five years.138 Before their licences lapse, individuals must apply to their local police force for renewal. At that point, police review individuals’ suitability to own firearms by carrying out much the same process as for …
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Government Response
The government has noted the recommendation that the current renewal period of five years remain in place but that it should be kept under review and is seeking views on this issue in the consultation paper.
Scotland Office
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55
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Third Report - Firearms licensing …
Various parties have suggested changes to the period between an initial firearms licence application and...
Various parties have suggested changes to the period between an initial firearms licence application and its renewal.142 Some of our witnesses (like the Gun Control Network143) told us that the renewal period should be shorter, while others (like the British …
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Government Response
The government has noted the recommendation regarding the renewal period and are seeking views on this issue in the consultation paper.
Scotland Office
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57
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Third Report - Firearms licensing …
Various commentators have pointed out the disadvantages of shortening the renewal period.
Various commentators have pointed out the disadvantages of shortening the renewal period. The Home Affairs Committee concluded in its 2010 report, Firearms control, that it had not “seen any evidence to suggest that there has been an increase in misuse …
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Government Response
The government has noted the Committee’s recommendation that the current renewal period of five years remain in place but that it should be kept under review and is seeking views on this issue in the consultation paper.
Scotland Office
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58
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Third Report - Firearms licensing …
However, we heard from Dr Colin Shedden, Director Scotland for the British Association of Shooting...
However, we heard from Dr Colin Shedden, Director Scotland for the British Association of Shooting and Conservation, that shooting organisations have “an expectation that we could move to 10 years”152 between an original licence application and its renewal. Dr Shedden …
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Government Response
The government has noted the recommendation to keep the current renewal period of five years under review and are seeking views on this issue in the consultation paper.
Scotland Office
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60
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Third Report - Firearms licensing …
Keith Brown MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice for the Scottish Government, told us that “you...
Keith Brown MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice for the Scottish Government, told us that “you would likely want to have shorter timescales”159 for firearms licence renewal periods, and that this is “certainly something worth looking at”.160 However, the Cabinet Secretary …
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Government Response
The government has noted the recommendation to keep the current renewal period of five years under review and are seeking views on this issue in the consultation paper.
Scotland Office
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63
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Third Report - Firearms licensing …
We have heard that the current renewal period of five years is appropriate.
We have heard that the current renewal period of five years is appropriate. We have heard that there is scope to consider lengthening the renewal period in order to free police resources, although we are concerned that this would reduce …
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Government Response
The UK Government has noted the Committee’s conclusion that the current renewal period of five years should remain in place but that it should be kept under review and they are seeking views on this issue in the consultation paper.
Scotland Office
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64
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Third Report - Firearms licensing …
We recommend that the current renewal period of five years remain in place for the...
We recommend that the current renewal period of five years remain in place for the time being. However, we recommend that the renewal period should be kept under review, particularly if an alternative, workable method of mental health monitoring and …
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Government Response
The government has noted the recommendation to keep the renewal period under review and is seeking views on this issue in the consultation paper.
Scotland Office
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73
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Third Report - Firearms licensing …
GPs’ involvement is key to the firearms licensing process.
GPs’ involvement is key to the firearms licensing process. For example, Superintendent Steven Duncan, Head of National Firearms and Explosives Licensing for Police Scotland, told us: “We are quite clear that if your GP practice is not willing to put …
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Government Response
The government describes the strengthening of medical checks, including the digital firearms marker in England, and says it is ready to work with the Scottish Government if they decide to introduce a similar marker.
Scotland Office
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74
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Third Report - Firearms licensing …
A key issue covered in firearms licensing is safety, in which firearms owners’ mental health...
A key issue covered in firearms licensing is safety, in which firearms owners’ mental health plays a crucial role. The Home Office’s statutory guidance requires individuals who are applying for and renewing firearms licences to disclose relevant conditions like drug …
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Government Response
The government acknowledges the strengthening of medical checks for firearms licensing and the development of a digital firearms marker in England, and stands ready to work with the Scottish Government if they decide to introduce the digital marker to GP surgeries in Scotland and will seek views on interim checks.
Scotland Office
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76
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Third Report - Firearms licensing …
Keith Brown MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice for the Scottish Government, told us: “We are...
Keith Brown MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice for the Scottish Government, told us: “We are aware that there can sometimes be some technical challenges to using the marker, for example when a patient moves between practices, and we are continuing …
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Government Response
The government acknowledges the strengthening of medical checks for firearms licensing and the development of a digital firearms marker in England, and stands ready to work with the Scottish Government if they decide to introduce the digital marker to GP surgeries in Scotland and will seek views on interim checks.
Scotland Office
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77
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Third Report - Firearms licensing …
The GP flagging system is valuable, but we believe that it could be strengthened in...
The GP flagging system is valuable, but we believe that it could be strengthened in order to make it as effective as possible.
Government Response
The government describes the strengthening of medical checks, including the digital firearms marker in England, and says it is ready to work with the Scottish Government if they decide to introduce a similar marker.
Scotland Office
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79
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Third Report - Firearms licensing …
If a GP conscientiously objects to firearms, they might refuse to engage with the licensing...
If a GP conscientiously objects to firearms, they might refuse to engage with the licensing process.193 In this case, applicants must obtain a report from another licensed medical practitioner.194 The British Medical Association supports GPs’ right to conscientiously object to …
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Government Response
The government describes the strengthening of medical checks, including the digital firearms marker in England, and says it is ready to work with the Scottish Government if they decide to introduce a similar marker.
Scotland Office
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80
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Third Report - Firearms licensing …
Dr Colin Shedden, Director Scotland for the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, told us...
Dr Colin Shedden, Director Scotland for the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, told us that “the fact that GPs are not legally obliged to participate, so they can opt out under the conscientious objector banner” is “the one area …
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Government Response
The UK Government acknowledges the committee's discussion around the GP role in firearms licensing and points to actions underway, including a digital marker in England and an offer to work with the Scottish Government if they wish to implement a similar system.
Scotland Office
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81
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Third Report - Firearms licensing …
However, it may not be necessary to make GPs’ involvement mandatory.
However, it may not be necessary to make GPs’ involvement mandatory. We heard from Superintendent Steven Duncan, Head of National Firearms and Explosives Licensing for Police Scotland, that the number of GPs who choose not to provide medical reports as …
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Government Response
The UK Government acknowledges the committee's discussion around the GP role in firearms licensing and points to actions underway, including a digital marker in England and an offer to work with the Scottish Government if they wish to implement a similar system.
Scotland Office
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83
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Third Report - Firearms licensing …
If a review concludes that it is inadvisable to make GPs’ engagement with the firearms...
If a review concludes that it is inadvisable to make GPs’ engagement with the firearms licensing process mandatory, we recommend that statutory guidance emphasise the strong expectation that GPs who object conscientiously to engaging with the firearms licensing process will …
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Government Response
The government highlights strengthening of medical checks, the digital firearms marker in England, and statutory guidance. The Home Office will work with the Scottish Government if it decides to introduce the digital marker to GP surgeries in Scotland, and is seeking views on interim checks in the consultation paper.
Scotland Office
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84
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Third Report - Firearms licensing …
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health says that an individual’s mental health “can change...
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health says that an individual’s mental health “can change in a short period of time and fluctuate rapidly”.203 Despite this, in- depth checks are carried out on firearms owners only at initial applications and …
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Government Response
The government describes the strengthening of medical checks, including the digital firearms marker in England, and says it is ready to work with the Scottish Government if they decide to introduce a similar marker.
Scotland Office
View details
85
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Third Report - Firearms licensing …
Interim medical checks at regular intervals would enable GPs, and thus potentially police, to become...
Interim medical checks at regular intervals would enable GPs, and thus potentially police, to become aware of changes in individuals’ mental health during the life of firearms licences. Noticing changes soon after they emerge may mean that individuals could be …
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Government Response
The government describes the strengthening of medical checks, including the digital firearms marker in England, and says it is ready to work with the Scottish Government if they decide to introduce a similar marker.
Scotland Office
View details
86
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Third Report - Firearms licensing …
We heard from some witnesses that more checks which could detect changes in licence holders’...
We heard from some witnesses that more checks which could detect changes in licence holders’ mental health and suitability to own firearms are not needed. Dr Colin Shedden, Director Scotland for the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, stated that …
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Government Response
The government acknowledges the recommendations for changes to the GP role in firearms licensing, notes the strengthening of medical checks including the digital firearms marker in England, and states it stands ready to work with the Scottish Government if they decide to introduce the digital marker to GP surgeries in Scotland.
Scotland Office
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89
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Third Report - Firearms licensing …
However, Dr North stated that “[i]t is telling how many cases there have been where...
However, Dr North stated that “[i]t is telling how many cases there have been where somebody’s poor mental health has been apparent retrospectively and then it has been revealed that somebody close to them was well aware of it, yet …
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Government Response
The government is consulting on 'buddy' initiatives and highlighting the revised role for gun club liaison officers, exploring whether this model can be applied more widely.
Scotland Office
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91
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Third Report - Firearms licensing …
Shooting organisations already have informal ways of supporting their members who are experiencing poor mental...
Shooting organisations already have informal ways of supporting their members who are experiencing poor mental health, such as providing open channels for members to discuss mental health with leaders of organisations, who then raise concerns with police where necessary. Nick …
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Government Response
The government is consulting on 'buddy' initiatives and highlighting the revised role for gun club liaison officers, exploring whether this model can be applied more widely.
Scotland Office
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95
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Third Report - Firearms licensing …
As mentioned above, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation stated that “some certificate holders...
As mentioned above, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation stated that “some certificate holders may be unwilling to seek medical assistance if they feel that this could affect their suitability to retain their certificate(s)”.229 Consequently, Fraser Lamb, Firearms Licensing …
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Government Response
The UK government acknowledges the challenges faced by rural communities and mentions that they are consulting regarding mental health support, highlighting existing initiatives that can be delivered remotely.
Scotland Office
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96
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Third Report - Firearms licensing …
One result of this work is the distribution of leaflets about mental health, aimed specifically...
One result of this work is the distribution of leaflets about mental health, aimed specifically at individuals who shoot for work or leisure, which outline “sources of help and advice”.231 The British Association for Shooting and Conservation told us that …
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Government Response
The government has noted the Committee’s recommendation in relation to advertising avenues to mental health support for the shooting community and is consulting and would welcome views on this recommendation.
Scotland Office
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97
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Third Report - Firearms licensing …
As the shooting community has started advertising mental health support services of their own accord,...
As the shooting community has started advertising mental health support services of their own accord, it may be productive for the UK Government to support further efforts.
Government Response
The UK Government has noted the Committee’s recommendation in relation to advertising avenues to mental health support for the shooting community and is consulting and would welcome views on whether and how a similar form of leaflet on mental health could be developed and distributed across the UK.
Scotland Office
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100
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Third Report - Firearms licensing …
However, in relation to specific incidents, Reverend Gordon Matheson told us that “[t]here are issues...
However, in relation to specific incidents, Reverend Gordon Matheson told us that “[t]here are issues around the subsequent trauma that people have experienced and accessing counselling care for that”.238 This issue is compounded by the relative lack of policing and …
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Government Response
The UK government acknowledges the challenges faced by rural communities and mentions that they are consulting regarding mental health support, highlighting existing initiatives that can be delivered remotely.
Scotland Office
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3
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Third Report - Firearms licensing …
The referee system has merit in protecting public safety and the peace; but we have...
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 …
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Government Response
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.
Scotland Office
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Government Response AI assessment · 102 of 27 classified
Accepted
4
Acknowledged
30
Deferred
48
Rejected
7
Total
27 recs + 75 conclusions
Correspondence 5 letters
16 May 2023
To committee
Letter from Rt Hon Chris Philp MP, Minister of State for Crime, Policing and Fire at the Home Office on firearms licensing regulations in Scotland, dated 5 May 2023.
Parliament page
21 Feb 2023
To committee
Letter from the Rt Hon Chris Philp MP, Minister of State for Crime, Policing and Fire at the Home Office on the publication of the first revision of the Statutory Guidance for Chief Officers of Police on firearms licensing, dated 9 February 2023
Parliament page
7 Feb 2023
To committee
Letter from Rt Hon Chris Philp MP, Minister of State for Crime, Policing and Fire at the Home Office on firearms licensing regulations in Scotland, dated 30 January 2023
Parliament page
19 Dec 2022
To committee
Letter from Humza Yousaf MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care at Scottish Government on follow-up to evidence session on 31 October 2022 on Firearms licensing regulations in Scotland, dated 12 December 2022
Parliament page
6 Dec 2022
To committee
Letter from the Minister of State for Crime, Policing and Fire, the Rt Hon Chris Philp MP in follow up to his appearance at the Scottish Affairs Select Committee inquiry into Firearms licensing on 21 November, dated 30 Nov 2022
Parliament page