New strict gun laws to be introduced after tragic shootings
Those with history of violence now banned from owning guns
- New regulations have been introduced to prevent people with a history of violence or domestic abuse from owning firearms.
- Police are now mandated to interview partners or household members of licence applicants and conduct rigorous checks on those with documented violence records.
- The policy changes were prompted by fatal shootings in Keyham in 2021 and Woodmancote in 2020, which exposed "catastrophic failures" in the previous licensing system.
- Applicants for shotgun licences now require two referees, aligning with rules for other firearms, and dishonesty, including withholding medical history, will count against applications.
- Further consultations are planned to potentially toughen controls on shotgun ownership and improve rules on private firearms sales.