Crossbow prohibition or licensing
Phase 2 should consider, in parallel with the government’s consultation where possible, a prohibition on the sale of crossbows, a licensing scheme similar to firearms, tighter controls on purchasing such as restricting sales to age‑verified in‑store transactions, and Trading Standards measures to prevent military‑style marketing.
- The Crime and Policing Act 2026 contains provisions on the remote sale, letting and delivery of crossbows requiring age and identity verification at point of sale and delivery (Crime and Policing Act 2026, legislation.gov.uk, 2026).
- The government agreed with the recommendation and noted the Chair identified it for further consideration in Phase 2 of the Inquiry (Government Response to Phase 1 of the Southport Inquiry, CP 1623, Home Office, July 2026).
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedThe government agrees with all 67 recommendations made by the Chair. The government recognises these five fundamental failings. These failings are unacceptable. The Chair has made 10 recommendations for issues to be considered further by the Inquiry in Phase 2. This response refers to these recommendations where they are relevant to or driving current work. (Government Response to Phase 1 of the Southport Inquiry, CP 1623, 2 July 2026.)
Progress Timeline
Government response published 2 July 2026 (CP 1623). The government agreed with this recommendation, which the Chair referred for further consideration in Phase 2 of the Inquiry.
Awaiting government response. Phase 1 report published 13 April 2026.