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Firearms: Licensing

Asked by Mr Tanmanjeet Singh DhesiLabourHome OfficeTabled Answered 20 April 2026UIN 125277

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to ensure all police forces are operating in compliance with the Statutory Guidance on firearms licensing for Chief Officers of Police.

Answered by Sarah Jones

Firearms licensing is an operational matter for chief officers of police, who are required to have regard to the Statutory Guidance to Chief Officers of Police on firearms licensing in exercising their licensing responsibilities. The Home Office works closely with the National Police Chiefs' Council lead for firearms licensing to support consistent application of the law and accompanying Statutory Guidance across forces.

In addition, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services are now undertaking a thematic inspection of police forces’ arrangements in respect of firearms licensing, providing independent scrutiny and identifying areas for improvement.

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