Stricter Gun Laws Ignite Optimism for Advancement
In a significant move towards enhancing public safety, the UK government has recently implemented stricter firearms licensing regulations. These changes, driven by the tragic events of the past and advocated for by individuals like Emma Ambler, aim to prevent firearms from falling into the hands of unsuitable or dangerous individuals.
The new regulations focus on improving the vetting process and information gathering for firearm and shotgun licensing. Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson emphasized the importance of these reforms, stating that only those meeting the highest safety standards should be permitted to hold firearms.
One of the key changes is the requirement for applicants for shotgun certificates to provide details of two referees instead of just one. Each referee must have known the applicant well for at least two years. This aligns shotgun licensing requirements more closely with those for firearms under Section 1, increasing the level of scrutiny on applicants.
The referees play a crucial role in supporting the application and identifying any concerns about the applicant’s suitability. New advice has been issued to referees, clarifying their responsibilities.
Another significant change is the enhanced police checks on domestic abuse and violence. Police are now required to engage with partners and household members of applicants to detect any signs of domestic abuse or other violent behaviours that would indicate the applicant is unsuitable to hold a firearms licence. This is a direct response to findings from the Plymouth shooting in 2021 and associated coroner concerns.
The guidance aims to help police apply licensing laws more consistently, addressing past failures attributed partly to the fragmented licensing system with multiple authorities. These measures are expected to improve safety protocols by providing more reliable background information on applicants, enabling the police to better assess risks related to domestic violence and other behavioural concerns, and reducing the likelihood of firearms falling into the wrong hands.
Emma Ambler, a woman from Birmingham, feels that her efforts to push for legislative changes are finally producing results. She has been advocating for more stringent gun laws since the 2020 murders of her sister, Kelly Fitzgibbons, and her nieces, Ava and Lexi Needham. The deaths, which occurred in West Sussex, were caused by Kelly's partner, who was found to have provided false information on his firearm application regarding past convictions and mental health treatments.
Emma Ambler remains vigilant in her mission to ensure safety and accountability in gun ownership. She stated that the changes are the first that mean something to her. The newly implemented changes in firearms legislation require applicants for shotgun certificates to provide two references, instead of the previous one.
These stricter firearms licensing regulations mark a significant step forward in ensuring the safety of UK citizens. By enhancing the vetting process and information gathering, the government aims to prevent tragedies like the Plymouth shooting and the deaths of Emma Ambler's family. The focus is on robust assessment of applicant suitability, thereby enhancing public safety.
[1] gov.uk/government/publications/firearms-and-explosives-licensing-statutory-guidance/firearms-and-explosives-licensing-statutory-guidance [2] bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-plymouth-58995338 [3] independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/emma-ambler-kelly-fitzgibbons-murder-family-sussex-b1917554.html [4] gov.uk/government/publications/firearms-licensing-consultation-response/firearms-licensing-consultation-response [5] theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/apr/26/emma-ambler-calls-for-tougher-gun-laws-after-sisters-murder
- The shift in UK firearms legislation towards stricter regulations, including the requirement for two referees for shotgun certificates, is a part of the broader landscape of policy-and-legislation, deeply rooted in the politics of general-news topics such as crime and justice.
- In response to the Plymouth shooting and tragic events like the murder of Emma Ambler's family in West Sussex, the UK government's move to implement stricter firearms licensing regulations is a significant step in enhancing public safety, specifically focusing on crime-and-justice issues and the vetting process for firearm and shotgun licensing.
