Government’s decision unnecessary and an erosion of civil liberties, says BASC

BASC has criticised the government’s decision to grant police automatic powers of entry into the homes of firearm certificate holders as unnecessary and an erosion of civil liberties.

The granting of automatic powers of entry for the police came as part of a government announcement made today, 13 February, in response to a 2023 firearms licensing consultation. At the time, the consultation sought views on recommendations made to the Home Office for changes to firearms licensing legislation and the systems/processes used.

The government’s proposal is for a power of entry where there are grounds for reviewing suitability, but the certificate holder is uncooperative with the police.

The proposal to grant such a power of entry was opposed by 80.7 per cent of respondents to the public consultation. The police currently have powers of entry to prevent crime and if life is in danger. They can also obtain a warrant from a magistrate and can revoke a person’s shotgun or firearm certificate, making their possession of guns illegal. 

BASC’s director of firearms, Bill Harriman, said: “This is a deeply concerning move that fundamentally undermines the principles of fairness and due process. The government is handing the police sweeping powers to enter the homes of certificate holders when the ability to do so to protect public safety is already enshrined in law. This is potentially a serious infringement on the human rights of firearms users. In addition, by removing the safeguard of judicial oversight, a law-abiding section of society has been placed firmly into the category of second-class citizens.

“At a time when the firearms licensing system is already struggling under the weight of inefficiency and inconsistency, this does nothing to improve public safety.

“Instead of addressing the failings in the system, this response suggests a lack of understanding of the real problems present in firearms licensing.”