BASC has a lengthy to-do list as it tries to secure a firearms licensing system fit for purpose. Our political and firearms teams have put forward many logical and straightforward solutions to the Home Office through numerous consultation responses and ministerial briefings. However, gaining political support for these solutions has proven complicated. Incidents involving lawfully owned firearms and changes in government create a backdrop where progress often feels like “three steps forward, two steps back.”

Government Confirms Deregulation of Sound Moderators

A breakthrough came when Dame Diana Johnson, Home Office Minister for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention, stated in a written statement to the House of Commons on 17 June that the Government commits to removing sound moderators from firearms licensing controls.

If enacted, this change would mark a shift from the status quo that has lasted nearly 60 years. Section 57(1)(d) of the Firearms Act 1968 currently defines sound moderators as firearms: “an accessory to a lethal barrelled weapon or a prohibited weapon where the accessory is designed or adapted to diminish the noise or flash caused by firing the weapon.”

This announcement follows years of lobbying by BASC and the British Shooting Sports Council (BSSC) through successive governments. It highlights the importance of political engagement across all parties.

Of critical importance is the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Shooting and Conservation, chaired by Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, a strong advocate for recreational shooting. The deregulation of sound moderators came up with the Minister at an APPG meeting just a week before the announcement, and again at a meeting with BASC and BSSC in January.

We have criticised the Government on several policy issues this year, but they deserve praise on sound moderators. Ministers listened to us and acted on the results of last year’s consultation.

Clearing Up Firearms Ownership Rumours

There has also been much speculation about government plans to ban the keeping of lawfully owned firearms and shotguns at certificate holders’ homes (News, 14 May). These rumours proved unfounded.

At the recent APPG meeting, Dame Diana confirmed no such policy is being pursued. When asked if there was an agenda to limit firearms ownership, she clearly stated there was not.

Deregulating moderators is a long-overdue, common-sense step. It will significantly reduce police workload on firearm certificates. Over the last decade, about one third of the 600,000 firearms covered by certificates in England and Wales were sound moderators.

The Government’s deregulation commitment is positive progress. However, implementing it will require a legislative opportunity to amend the Firearms Act 1968. This could happen later in 2025 or in 2026. BASC will keep pressing to ensure this promise is fulfilled.

Avoiding Backdoor Licensing Loopholes

We are also seeking clarification on certain inconsistencies in the ministerial statement. We want to ensure no backdoor licensing loopholes appear, and that sound moderators for airguns and shotguns remain unlicensed. Changes will also be needed in Scotland, where sound moderators currently fall under the definition of an “air weapon” in the devolved airgun licensing regime. Keep an eye on the BASC website for updates. And thank you to all the Shooting Times readers who responded to last year’s sound moderators consultation—you were among 12,471 certificate holders who made your voices heard.

See a step by step guide on how to get your firearms certificate here.