Key Facts

• Amendment 1 aims to include social media profile checks in the issuance process.
• Amendment 2 requires private meetings between police chiefs and applicants' families or household members.
• Amendment 3 involves regulations on fee payments equal to the expected cost for licences issued under section 11.
• Amendment 1 ensures social media checks are considered when applying for a firearms license.
• Amendment 2 mandates private meetings with family members before issuing licenses.
• Amendment 3 addresses cost recovery for the licensing process.
• The Firearms Act 1968 is being amended by clauses 1 to 3 of the Bill.
• Clause 1 requires operators of miniature rifle ranges to obtain a firearm certificate from local police.
• Clause 2 criminalizes possession of ammunition components with intent to manufacture unlawful ammunition.
• The Bill seeks to address vulnerabilities identified following events like those in Plymouth and Epsom College.
• Five community members were shot in August 2021 with a pump-action rifle.
• The Minister will meet affected communities towards the end of the month.
• There is a need for national training and standards for social media checks during firearm application processes.
• Applicants should pass rigorous qualifications regarding their suitability to hold firearms.
• Amendment 2 on household checks correlates with domestic violence and gun incidents.
• Applying for a firearm certificate costs £79, and renewal is £49.
• Devon and Cornwall has the most guns of any part of the country.
• 3D printing can be used to illegally manufacture ammunition components.
• The British Shooting Sports Council (BSSC) agrees with the need for operators of miniature rifle ranges to hold firearm certificates.
• Since 2000, home nations competing at Commonwealth games have won seven gold, eight silver, and eight bronze medals in small-bore rifle shooting.
• Clause 1 allows people to use small-calibre rifles (.22 rim-fire rifles) at miniature rifle ranges without a firearm certificate.
• Shooters who reload their own cartridges for cost-saving, accuracy improvement, or unavailability of commercial ammunition do not commit an offence if they hold the relevant certificates and load authorized cartridges.
• The UK has had some of the best firearms legislation in the world for over 25 years.
• Internet growth and 3D printing pose new challenges in weapons manufacturing.
• The internet allows people to order ammunition, leading to disruption.
• MP Claudia Webbe worked with the ACPO firearms committee for a decade.
• The police must check the social media profile of any person applying for a firearm certificate before issuing it.
• Clause 1 removes an exemption allowing operation of miniature rifle ranges without a firearm certificate.
• Statutory guidance on firearms licensing was refreshed in February 2022.
• The amendments are based on important lessons learned from recent tragedies.
• There is broad consensus on the need for these amendments.
• Amendment 3 calls for consultation on the cost of firearms licensing.