Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make it her Department’s policy to create a unified national firearms licensing authority.

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 Authorised Professional Practice (APP) and a national training programme.

The NPCC Lead on Firearms Licensing is currently developing a new performance framework for police forces. In addition, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services will later this year be undertaking a thematic inspection in respect of firearms licensing.