6 days ago
Those with history of violence to be banned from owning guns
New regulations have been introduced to prevent people with a history of violence or domestic abuse from owning firearms.
Police are now mandated to interview partners or household members of licence applicants and conduct rigorous checks on those with documented violence records.
The policy changes were prompted by fatal shootings in Keyham in 2021 and Woodmancote in 2020, which exposed "catastrophic failures" in the previous licensing system.
Applicants for shotgun licences now require two referees, aligning with rules for other firearms, and dishonesty, including withholding medical history, will count against applications.
Further consultations are planned to potentially toughen controls on shotgun ownership and improve rules on private firearms sales.
