A cross-party group of MPs has come together to object to a government plan to tighten shotgun licensing, warning that the measure would have little benefit to public safety while potentially penalizing legal owners.
The Westminster Hall debate on February 23 began after a petition against the proposals received more than 100,000 signatures, forcing MPs to consider the issue.
Ministers are preparing a consultation to align shotgun licenses with firearms licenses under sections 1 and 2 of the Firearms Act.
Critics argue that such adjustments could subject shotgun owners to tighter controls and increase administrative burdens and compliance requirements.
In more than three hours of contributions, MPs from Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, the SNP, Plaid Cymru, the DUP and Restore Britain raised concerns about the proportionality of the proposals.
The Government says the consultation will consider whether the current licensing distinctions remain appropriate. But local groups say the changes won’t address criminal abuse.
The Countryside Alliance said there was an “overwhelming consensus” in the chamber that restricting the legal ownership of shotguns would harm rural businesses and conservation efforts without improving safety.
A key moment in the debate was when Police Minister Sarah Jones acknowledged the need to reform the licensing system itself.
“Many people pointed to something that we have already begun to consider, which is the need for centralized licensing,” she said.
He referred to the police reform white paper and draft national police service and suggested this could be an “opportunity to consider whether we should have a national licensing system”.
Underscoring that local police involvement will continue to be needed for home visits, she added: “In fact, is now the time to introduce a central permit system? That’s something I’m happy to consider and we’re already talking about it.”
The prospect of replacing the 38 Firearms Licensing Units across England and Wales with a single specialist body has long been advocated by local bodies who argue it will improve consistency and efficiency without imposing additional restrictions.
Countryside Alliance shooting campaign manager Roger Seddon said the mood in parliament reflected widespread concerns.
“It is clear that there is widespread opposition to the government’s proposals to restrict shotgun ownership,” he said.
He argued that the adjustments “will not enhance public safety, will have a negative impact on conservation, and will bring a wrecking ball to an already fragile local economy.”
Mr Seddon welcomed ministers’ willingness to consider centralized licensing, suggesting it could “negate the need for co-ordination”.
However, he stressed that future talks will be decisive.
He said, “While the debate was an important opportunity to dispel public concerns about the proposal, it is in future consultations that the numbers will truly matter.”
All eyes are now on the consultation process as the government has indicated that reforms are still under consideration. At this stage, ministers may decide whether to pursue stricter licensing rules or instead focus on structural reform of the system.
