Gloucestershire police urged to reverse ‘unlawful’ move

Shooting groups are calling on Gloucestershire Constabulary to reverse its “outrageous and unlawful” firearms licensing decision after the force announced it is unable to accept any new applications. 

BASC has accused Gloucestershire Constabulary of failing to fulfil a statutory duty by suspending firearms certificate grants. Earlier this month the force took the decision to suspend grant applications for firearm and shotgun certificates on the grounds of “unexpected resourcing issues”. 

The force’s statement added that it was “temporarily unable to accept any new applications for the grant of shotgun, firearms, dealers or explosives certificates”. It also said that applications in the pipeline will take up to two years to process — something BASC claims will impact the number of newcomers to shooting. 

BASC’s director of firearms, Bill Harriman, said, “This is not only an outrageous decision but an unlawful one too. The police have a legal duty to process applications and cannot pick and choose as they like. This lack of customer service could have serious consequences for all shooting sports as it prevents newcomers from coming into shooting as they won’t be able to get a certificate. 

“It also affects the shooting retail supply chain. Many rural businesses are struggling to stay afloat as it is. They don’t need the extra pressure.” 

The development has caused immediate concern within the firearms trade, affecting the licensing process and disrupting business operations. 

Simon West, executive director of the Gun Trade Association raised the issue with the UK Home Office as a breach of statutory duty. He said, “I have now also had discussions with the National Police Chiefs’ Council representative for firearms licensing” to ensure awareness of the situation, adding that the decision may soon face a national review. 

Furthermore, BASC has briefed all Gloucestershire MPs and asked them to raise the issue with the county’s new Chief Constable and the Police and Crime Commissioner. They have also protested to the PCC, informed the Home Office that a statutory function is not being discharged and asked that the Policing Minister be informed. 

Those directly impacted are being urged to contact their MPs and crime commissioner to hold the police accountable and highlight broader issues within the licensing system.