Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if will make an assessment of the potential merits of a national firearms application process.

The Firearms Act 1968 gives responsibility for the issuing of firearms licences to Chief Officers of Police. Since November 2021, however, the Statutory Guidance issued by the Secretary of State requires forces to make certain checks on the suitability of the applicant to hold a license and ensure their subsequent continuous assessment. The application process is now also supported by the refreshed police Authorised Professional Practice (APP) and a national training programme.

We keep the framework of firearms licensing controls under constant review as it is important that we maintain strong controls on firearms to safeguard the public.