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Plymouth Shootings
21 February 2023
Lead MP
Chris Philp
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Policing & ResourcesJustice & CourtsNHSScotlandMental Health
Other Contributors: 14
At a Glance
Chris Philp raised concerns about plymouth shootings in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
The Minister Chris Philp announced the Government's response to the shootings in Keyham, Plymouth on August 12, 2021. In this tragic incident, Jake Davison killed five individuals and wounded two others before taking his own life. Following an extensive review of firearms licensing practices post-shootings, a total of 6,434 licences were surrendered or revoked across England, Wales, and Scotland over the previous year. Eight cases out of these had their original decisions overturned after further checks. New statutory guidance has been issued in October 2021 to ensure medical fitness for licence acquisition and prevent future occurrences. A digital marker system will flag firearms owners to GPs for better oversight. The Home Office awaits the coroner's prevention of future deaths report, expecting to respond within 60 days along with recommendations from IOPC and Scottish Affairs Committee reports.
Sarah Jones
Lab
Croydon West
Question
The shadow minister inquired about the introduction of the mental health marker system and whether it would be enforced by statutory guidance rather than legal duty. She also sought details on risk management strategies and how to ensure adherence to statutory guidelines among police forces.
Sarah Jones
Lab
Croydon West
Question
Jones questioned the presence of a flag system in Prevent referrals for individuals with firearm licences. She also pressed on the Government's strategy to tackle misogynist and incel extremism, particularly noting concerns about the watering down of the Online Safety Bill.
Sarah Jones
Lab
Croydon West
Question
The shadow minister asked for comments on whether legislation should be enacted regarding firearms licensing and expressed concern over pump-action shotguns in homes, suggesting a review of gun laws under Labour's governance.
Sarah Jones
Lab Co-op
Croydon West
Question
Questions were raised about the HMICFRS thematic inspection schedule and concerns about the new mental health markers. Additionally, there was a query on whether the Prevent system flags individuals with firearms licenses.
Minister reply
The Minister commits to bringing forward an HMICFRS inspection based on assurances from Devon and Cornwall Police that they have implemented IOPC recommendations. He also promises that the Government’s response within 60 days will address proactive risk management, legislation requirements, and concerns about mental health markers. The Minister agrees that Davison should not have received a firearms licence under existing regulations. Regarding Prevent referrals with firearm licenses, he pledges to confirm if there is already a link between databases and take necessary steps.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
Question
Welcoming the suggestion of an IOPC investigation on Devon and Cornwall’s operation, Kit highlights concerns over firearms legislation being complex and suggests that the medical profession should play a proactive role in community safety.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees with the need for medical professionals to be proactive when approached by the police regarding firearms licenses. He urges GPs and other healthcare providers to disclose any concerning flags proactively to prevent potential tragedies.
Luke Pollard
Lab Co-op
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
Question
Expressing anger and grief from his community, Luke calls for a review of gun laws, urgent revision of the licensing system, restrictions on keeping pump-action weapons at home, a national incel strategy, training for firearms officers, and full cost recovery to ensure proper processing.
Minister reply
The Minister commits to meeting with Luke Pollard MP and victim families to discuss their concerns. He agrees to consult on fee recovery issues over the summer or early autumn to ensure police forces receive sufficient funds for licensing arrangements.
Gary Streeter
Con
South West Cornwall
Question
I pay tribute to the hon. Member for Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport, who has done outstanding work on this issue since the 2021 tragedy in Plymouth. I welcome the review announced by the Minister but ask him not to rule out a thorough review of firearms law given internet influences and medical conditions. Has he seen Plymouth’s violence against women and girls commission report?
Minister reply
I echo my hon. Friend’s tribute to the victims' families for their advocacy during difficult times. We will consider any recommended changes from three reports in this area. The Minister has visited Plymouth with Councillor Smith to discuss her VAWG strategy, which we commend.
Brighton Kemptown
Question
My thoughts are with the victims and my hon. Friend for his work on this issue. In 2020, I asked about medical markers in GP records and reviews of fees; progress has been slow. What is the timetable for implementation of these changes?
Minister reply
A number of steps have already been taken including updated authorised professional practice guidance from the College of Policing now out for consultation, ensuring medical checks in every case. Medical markers are being rolled out and a statutory footing will be considered.
Selaine Saxby
Lab
Teignbridge
Question
Can the Minister ensure that licensing arrangements reflect the vast rural area covered by Devon and Cornwall police, given concerns over backlogs and high levels of gun ownership?
Minister reply
Devon and Cornwall is a large geographical area; extra resources are being deployed for firearms licensing due to backlogs. However, standards must be consistent across all regions despite rurality. The police funding formula will consult on the impact of rurality.
Honiton and Sidmouth
Question
The inquest concluded that there was a catastrophic failure; responsibility lies with the murderer but also due to lack of resources. What conversations has the Minister had about those findings?
Minister reply
I have had extensive discussions on firearms licensing, including PCCs. Extra resources are being deployed for Devon and Cornwall police. I will respond comprehensively to three reports' recommendations within 60 days.
St Ives
Question
I pay tribute to the community of Keyham, especially the hon. Member for Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport. What is the opportunity to consider a national unit for standardisation in licensing, processing and decision making?
Minister reply
Nationally consistent standards are important; the College of Policing is consulting on updated authorised professional practice guidance. Standardised training will also be introduced to ensure consistency.
Rachael Maskell
Lab/Co-op
York Central
Question
My thoughts are with the Keyham community today, but I am not reassured by the Government’s response on mental health and domestic violence. What assurance can be given that my constituent who is in hiding due to her former partner having his firearms returned will feel safe?
Minister reply
Everyone's constituents deserve safety; firearms licences are a privilege, not a right. We will respond comprehensively to the recommendations from three reports, including consideration of domestic abuse indicators.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
Is it correct, as has been reported, that in this tragic case, the murderer’s mother appealed to the police to remove the returned firearm from him and was ignored? If that is true, is it not also the case that no change in any licensing system will be able to compensate for that level of bungling incompetence?
Minister reply
I am afraid to say that very bad decisions—in fact, wrong decisions—were made in this case. As the former policing Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for North West Hampshire (Kit Malthouse) said, the wrong decisions were taken under the guidance in force both in 2018, when the licence was first granted, and two or three years later, when the gun was confiscated and then returned. The IOPC has said that very clearly, and it has said that two or three officers of Devon and Cornwall police made the wrong decision at the time. My right hon. Friend is right to say that a change of guidance would not have helped, because the wrong decisions were made under the guidance at the time. However, we need to make sure that the guidance is robust and comprehensive and that training is comprehensive. It is with those purposes in mind that we will respond to the three reports in 60 days or so.
Shadow Comment
Sarah Jones
Shadow Comment
The shadow minister Sarah Jones highlighted the tragic loss in Plymouth and criticised Devon and Cornwall police's inadequate training, supervision, and oversight. She questioned why a new HMIC inspection couldn't be conducted sooner than 2024-25 and raised concerns about inconsistency in firearms licensing practices across England. She also pointed out that the mental health marker system is not legally binding and sought clarification on proactive risk management approaches for firearms licensing. Jones further addressed online radicalization of young men, specifically incel extremism, and criticised the outdated counter-extremism strategy, urging the Home Office to consider legislation on firearms licensing.
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