Last week (Tuesday 2 December) MPs and peers from across the political spectrum came to a Countryside Alliance drop-in session in Westminster on the firearms licensing system.
This came at a timely moment, given the Home Office's upcoming consultation on firearms licensing, which is due to be published before the end of the year.
The government consultation is seeking to restrict shotgun ownership by aligning licensing of shotguns with firearms, which the Countryside Alliance and other stakeholders have condemned as a counterproductive move that would devastate the rural economy, put huge pressures on police forces, and threaten the livelihoods of thousands of working people, including farmers, who rely on shotguns for their work.
The drop-in session, sponsored by Charlie Dewhirst, MP for Bridlington and the Wolds, centred around a new report, commissioned by the Countryside Alliance, that examines the current state of the firearms licensing system in England and Wales, explores its flaws, and looks at how its failings might be fixed.
The report, Reforming Firearms and Explosives Licensing in the United Kingdom, was prepared by David Orford, former National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) lead on Firearms Licensing and Deputy Chief Constable of Durham Constabulary. Mr Orford's extensive operational and policy experience provide invaluable insights on the issue, as he has overseen firearms licensing nationally and worked closely with both the Home Office and forces across the UK.
The report’s central recommendation is that the Home Office should broaden its consultation to consider the creation of a National Firearms and Explosives Licensing Agency (NFELA). A single national body would bring greater consistency, stronger governance, modern IT systems, and improved public safety, benefiting both certificate holders and the wider public.
David Orford, supported by former Northumbria Police Chief Constable Winton Keenan, presented the report to attendees, and took questions alongside Countryside Alliance colleagues from MPs, peers and staffers. MPs were incredibly supportive of the report's analysis and suggestions, and several will be raising the issue with ministers.
Roger Seddon, Shooting Campaign Manager at the Countryside Alliance, commented:
"Shooting is facing its biggest threat in a generation with the upcoming firearms licensing consultation. The government is seeking to restrict shotgun ownership by aligning licensing of shotguns with firearms.
"This would devastate the rural economy, add huge pressure on police forces, and pose a major difficulty to farmers and others who rely on shotguns for their livelihoods.
"The Countryside Alliance is spearheading the fight back, and since the start of the year we have been engaging with stakeholders in Westminster and beyond.
"Our new report, prepared by David Orford, provides sensible and practical suggestions on how the current system can be reformed to increase public safety while also providing improved services to firearms users. It was very encouraging to see so many MPs and peers attend our drop-in session and support our proposals.
"The Countryside Alliance will continue our campaign, but it's important that we are all ready to react when the consultation is launched. Sign up to the Campaign for Shooting newsletter to stay up to date – we’ll send a special bulletin when the consultation opens."