Police watchdog demands overhaul of England and Wales gun licensing

A police watchdog has warned that the firearms licensing system in England and Wales is unfit for purpose, creating a “postcode lottery” of scrutiny that endangers public safety. An inspection by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) revealed that legally held weapons were involved in at least 39 murders over the decade leading up to March 2025.

The report identifies outdated legislation, unclear guidance, and inconsistent training as primary causes for the system's failures. To rectify these issues, inspectors recommended replacing the existing 38 regional firearms and explosive licensing units with a single national authority. Additional recommendations include implementing in-person medical assessments for applicants and a digital verification system to prevent the use of forged certificates.

While most of the nearly 500,000 certificate holders use weapons responsibly, Inspector Lee Freeman emphasized that the public deserves a system that is “clear, consistent and robust.”

A Home Office spokesperson defended the current regulatory framework, stating that the UK maintains some of the toughest firearms laws in the world. The spokesperson noted that ministers are reviewing licensing arrangements as part of broader police reforms. The Countryside Alliance supported the creation of a unified national body to address departmental backlogs but rejected certain proposed restrictions.