House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Firearms licensing: sound moderators
17 June 2025 · Home Office
Proposed by Diana R. Johnson Lab Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- Government responding to public consultation on sound moderators
- Sound moderators currently defined as firearms under the Firearms Act 1968
- Proposed to remove sound moderators from licensing requirements but require valid firearms certificate for possession
Issue summary
The Government is responding to a public consultation regarding sound moderators, which are currently defined as firearms under the Firearms Act 1968.
Action requested
The Government has decided to remove sound moderators from licensing requirements but will require individuals to possess a valid firearms certificate to legally hold them. The change will be made through primary legislation when Parliamentary time allows.
Key facts
- Sound moderator consultation ran from 21 February to 2 April 2024.
- A sound moderator reduces the sound of a rifle shot by about three quarters and does not pose public safety risks.
- Government will use primary legislation, not a Legislative Reform Order, for deregulating sound moderators.
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