- His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services has warned that the firearms licensing system in England and Wales is not fit for purpose and puts public safety at risk.
- Inspectors highlighted a postcode lottery in scrutiny across 38 local police licensing units, blaming unclear legislation and poor supervision for shortfalls.
- The inspectorate recommended establishing a single new national firearms licensing authority to ensure consistency and public safety.
- The warning follows past tragedies, such as the 2021 Plymouth mass shooting, with legally held firearms linked to at least 39 murders in England and Wales over a 10-year period.
- In response, the Home Office stated that the UK has some of the world's toughest firearms laws and noted that a review of licensing arrangements is already taking place.
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