UK firearms licensing reform
On April 3, 2026, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), the Countryside Alliance, and the National Gamekeepers Organisation initiated legal proceedings seeking judicial review of the Home Secretary's decisions regarding firearms licensing reforms in the UK. As of April 8, 2026, the Countryside Alliance has declared the government's proposed consultation on aligning shotgun and firearms licensing an "existential and generational threat to shooting." This legal action and strong opposition follow a government review of firearms licensing laws, including a consultation on aligning shotgun and firearm licensing controls, which was launched after concerns were raised by a coroner in February 2026 regarding gaps in legislation following the death of Samuel Dickinson. The government also strengthened firearms licensing guidance in August 2025, increasing referee requirements and enhancing police consideration of domestic abuse in applications.
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April 2026 — 6 developments
The Countryside Alliance has declared the government's proposed consultation on aligning shotgun and firearms licensing a "existential and generational threat to shooting.
The Countryside Alliance has declared the government's proposed consultation on aligning shotgun and firearms licensing a "existential and generational threat to shooting." This statement comes amid ongoing reviews and debates surrounding UK firearms licensing laws.
Mims Davies MP stated the government will carefully consider a coroner's Prevention of Future Deaths…
Mims Davies MP stated the government will carefully consider a coroner's Prevention of Future Deaths report, issued February 10, 2026, which highlighted gaps in firearms licensing legislation after the inquest into Samuel Dickinson's death. This follows strengthened guidance for police on firearms licensing announced in August 2025.
The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), the Countryside Alliance, and the Nati…
The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), the Countryside Alliance, and the National Gamekeepers Organisation have initiated legal proceedings seeking judicial review of the Home Secretary's decisions regarding firearms licensing reforms. These organizations argue that the proposed changes may unfairly impact lawful firearm ownership and are concerned about public safety. The outcomes of these legal challenges are pending and could influence future firearms legislation.
The UK government strengthened firearms licensing guidance in August 2025, increasing the number of …
The UK government strengthened firearms licensing guidance in August 2025, increasing the number of referees for shotgun certificates from one to two and providing new advice to referees. The guidance also enhances how police consider suspected domestic abuse or other violence when assessing firearm license applications.
The UK government has launched a review of firearms licensing laws, including a consultation on aligning shotgun and firearm licensing controls.
The UK government has launched a review of firearms licensing laws, including a consultation on aligning shotgun and firearm licensing controls. This review follows concerns raised about potential gaps in legislation regarding the self-reporting of medical or mental health conditions by license holders.
Cross-party MPs debated and expressed opposition to merging shotgun and firearms licensing regimes in February 2026.
Cross-party MPs debated and expressed opposition to merging shotgun and firearms licensing regimes in February 2026. Concerns were raised that such a merger could strain police resources and might not significantly improve public safety.
February 2026 — 6 developments
A parliamentary debate on firearms licensing reform occurred on February 23, 2026, spurred by a petition with over 120,000 signatures.
A parliamentary debate on firearms licensing reform occurred on February 23, 2026, spurred by a petition with over 120,000 signatures. The government is also consulting on potential changes to the gun ownership licensing system, which could involve merging shotgun and firearm licenses.
Following the suicide of farmer Samuel Dickinson, a coroner has warned that gaps in gun legislation could lead to more deaths.
Following the suicide of farmer Samuel Dickinson, a coroner has warned that gaps in gun legislation could lead to more deaths. New details reveal that individuals with gun licenses are not required to report changes in their mental health, unlike those with driving licenses, and GPs are not obligated to record firearms licenses on medical records. A Prevention of Future Deaths report has been issued to the Home Office and Department for Health and Social Care.
The UK government has announced strengthened guidance for firearms licensing, aiming to enhance public safety.
The UK government has announced strengthened guidance for firearms licensing, aiming to enhance public safety. This action follows concerns raised by a coroner regarding potential gaps in existing laws, highlighted by the inquest into Samuel Dickinson's death. The updated guidance is intended to address these identified risks and prevent future tragedies.
Urgent concerns were raised by the Mirror newspaper following the inquest into Samuel Dickinson's death, focusing on the potential inadequacies of current UK gun licence laws.
Urgent concerns were raised by the Mirror newspaper following the inquest into Samuel Dickinson's death, focusing on the potential inadequacies of current UK gun licence laws. The report highlighted the coroner's warning that further deaths could occur if legislative action is not taken.
An inquest at Bolton Coroner's Court concluded Samuel Dickinson's death was suicide.
An inquest at Bolton Coroner's Court concluded Samuel Dickinson's death was suicide. Manchester West Area Coroner Michael Pemberton issued a prevention of future deaths report to the Home Office and Department for Health and Social Care, highlighting claimed gaps in UK law around gun licenses and stating that 'a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken'.
A 'Prevention of Future Deaths' report has been issued following the suicide of farmer Samuel Dickinson, highlighting perceived gaps in UK firearms legislation.
A 'Prevention of Future Deaths' report has been issued following the suicide of farmer Samuel Dickinson, highlighting perceived gaps in UK firearms legislation. The coroner noted concerns that future deaths could occur due to the requirement for license holders to report changes in mental health. The report has been sent to the Home Office and Department for Health and Social Care.
September 2025 — 2 developments
Following Samuel Dickinson's death, tributes were paid on social media, remembering him as 'the absolute best' and a 'local farmer and friend to many'.
Following Samuel Dickinson's death, tributes were paid on social media, remembering him as 'the absolute best' and a 'local farmer and friend to many'. The annual Haigh Aspull and Blackrod Christmas Tractor Run later raised money in his memory.
Samuel Dickinson, a 39-year-old farmer who held both a firearms and shotgun license, was found dead with a shotgun wound to the head in a shed on his farm.
Samuel Dickinson, a 39-year-old farmer who held both a firearms and shotgun license, was found dead with a shotgun wound to the head in a shed on his farm. His family had alerted police after discovering a shotgun was missing from the gun cabinet. The medical cause of death was a head injury sustained in the incident.