Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what guidance her Department has issued on which calibres (a) qualify firearms for antique status and (b) are to be amended due to their usage by criminals so that antique dealers and military collectors can ensure they take the correct action to comply with changes in the law.

The Home Office Guide on Firearms Licensing Law includes guidance on which firearms can currently be regarded as antique. The Guide can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/518193/Guidance_on_Firearms_Licensing_Law_April_2016_v20.pdf.

Since 2007, the number of antique firearms recovered in criminal circumstances has increased significantly as criminals have taken advantage of the lack of a legal definition of ‘antique firearm’ to obtain old, but functioning, firearms for use in crime.

That is why on 9 November, the draft Antique Firearms Regulations 2020 were laid before Parliament. They will define ‘antique firearm’ in law, thereby providing legal clarity on which firearms can safely be regarded as antique, and therefore exempt from most firearms controls, and those which must be subject to licensing.

We will further strengthen the controls by removing from the definition of ‘antique firearm’ seven cartridges which have regularly been used in crime. This will mean that firearms chambered for use with those seven cartridges will become subject to licensing. However, owners will be able to keep such firearms on a firearm certificate. Further information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/policing-and-crime-bill-proposals-to-implement-legislation-to-define-antique-firearms.

Subject to the regulations being approved by Parliament, we will publicise the changes in the law on gov.uk and through the media. We are also working closely with representatives of collectors, museums, dealers and shooting organisations on other ways of reaching people – for example, through their websites and newsletters.