Force agrees to reopen its firearms licensing service

Gloucestershire Constabulary has been forced to backtrack on its decision to suspend new firearm licensing applications, after sustained pressure from MPs and rural organisations. 

Last month, the force announced it was not accepting any new grant applications (News, 20 November), and that existing applications would take a minimum of two years due to “unexpected resourcing issues”. 

The initial decision left many in rural professions who rely on shotguns and firearms for work — such as gamekeepers, farmers and pest controllers — in a difficult position. MP for the Forest of Dean, Matt Bishop, raised the issue in the House of Commons and wrote to Gloucestershire Constabulary, the Home Secretary and the Policing Minister, urging them to take action to resolve the delays. 

BASC also engaged with the county’s new Chief Constable and the Police and Crime Commissioner (Comment, 27 November). Following the heavy backlash Gloucestershire Constabulary reviewed its policy and decided to reinstate application processing. 

It has now committed to recruiting additional staff, ensuring statutory compliance and prioritising occupational needs by giving precedence to those who require licences for professional purposes during the phased reopening process. 

Matt Bishop said: “The situation has been particularly challenging for those whose jobs depend on having access to firearms, and it was clear that I needed to take urgent action. This is a significant step forward for our community, and I’m pleased that Gloucestershire Constabulary has responded positively to the concerns raised by me and my fellow MPs. 

“I want to extend my thanks to everyone who contacted me about this. Their voices were instrumental in bringing this matter to the forefront and pushing for change. 

“I will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure that these commitments are upheld and that no one in our community faces unnecessary hardship due to delays in firearm licensing,” added Mr Bishop. 

BASC’s head of firearms Martin Parker said: “This decision is a testament to BASC’s ongoing commitment to ensuring firearms licensing operates effectively and in the interests of our members. We’d like to thank all our members who wrote to their MPs, the Police and Crime Commissioner and Chief Constable — because without their support this would not have happened. 

“The delays and uncertainty in Gloucestershire were unacceptable, and we are proud to have played a leading role in driving the changes necessary to resolve this issue.” 

Grants were reopened on 2 December.