Latest Home Office statistics reveal a record-breaking number of firearm and shotgun licenses were revoked in England and Wales last year, showcasing a greater emphasis on enhancing gun control. Recent data highlights that the Thames Valley Police revoked 77 shotgun certificates and 21 firearm licenses, representing a significant uptick compared to the previous year.
Action on Armed Violence, a prominent advocacy group aiming to foster safer communities, welcomed this development. Dr. Iain Overton, Executive Director of the organization, remarked, “The recent revocation of these shotgun and other licenses may have complex and individual reasons, but in so doing they further reduce the likelihood of guns being used to murder or self-harm. This can only be good.”
A Closer Look at the Licensing System
The Gun Control Network, another major advocacy group, raised concerns about gaps in the firearms licensing system. Highlighting that five out of six deadly mass shootings in the past 14 years were carried out by licensed gun owners, the group emphasized the urgent need for reform. They proposed a substantial increase in licensing fees to ensure more meticulous background checks.
A Gun Control Network spokesperson commented, “Clearly our firearms licensing process is broken, and many bereaved and traumatised families are suffering the consequences. The licence fees need to increase dramatically so the police have more funding to conduct more thorough checks.”
Revocation Statistics
This increase in revocations reflects a broader national trend. Across England and Wales, authorities revoked 1,559 shotgun certificates and 507 firearm licenses, accounting for a 34% and 21% rise, respectively, compared to the previous year. These numbers are the most substantial since 2008-09, when record-keeping began.
Diverging Opinions
Not everyone has welcomed this shift in gun license management. The British Association for Shooting and Conservation criticized the trend, accusing the police of “depriving perfectly safe people of their certificates and leaving it to the court to make the final decision.”
Bill Harriman, the Association’s Director of Firearms, questioned the consistency of police operations post-Covid-19 and argued that barriers to obtaining gun licenses for “safe and responsible persons” are “becoming increasingly insurmountable.”
Active Certificates in Thames Valley
As of the end of March, there were 22,732 active shotgun and 5,774 firearm certificates in the Thames Valley. These figures correspond to approximately 2,465 and 970 certificates per 100,000 residents, respectively. Both advocates for tighter controls and shooting organizations are continuing to monitor and debate the implications of these developments for public safety.
Engaged in local discussions or public safety initiatives related to these topics? If you’re organizing related events or need a community platform, consider submitting them to our local directory or create a free business profile to expand visibility.
