
College of Policing plans will improve firearms licensing, says BASC
The College of Policing is exploring an annual assessment and accreditation for firearms licensing officers in England and Wales.
Get information on the legal shooting season for mammals and birds in the UK.
Apply for funding for your project or make a donation today
Comprehensive information and advice from our specialist firearms team.
Everything you need to know about shotgun, rifle and airgun ammunition.
Find our up-to-date information, advice and links to government resources.
Everything you need to know on firearms law and licensing.
All the latest news and advice on general licences and how they affect you.
BASC’s head of firearms, Martin Parker, appeared on the BBC’s Breakfast programme today (23 August) ahead of the close of the Home Office’s firearms licensing consultation.
The 20-minute package, which began just after 7.30am, also featured footage of BASC’s clay line at this year’s Game Fair at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire.
BASC has responded to what it billed as “the most important consultation on firearms ownership in 35 years” and has urged members to also respond so that the shooting community has a voice in decisions that will have an impact for decades to come. The consultation closes at 11.59pm today.
Mr Parker informed the BBC that around 600,000 people in the UK have a shotgun certificate, a firearm certificate or both and they would include pest controllers, deer managers, recreational shooters and target shooters.
He told the programme: “It’s not in our interest for anyone who shouldn’t have a firearm certificate or a shotgun certificate getting it.”
Later on this morning, Mr Parker was interviewed live on BBC Radio 5 Live.
BASC was also included in today’s BBC online coverage of the story and last week featured in a piece in The Guardian about the consultation.
You can find a link to the consultation on our website here.
The College of Policing is exploring an annual assessment and accreditation for firearms licensing officers in England and Wales.
BASC’s Martin Parker is urging firearms licensing authorities to follow the forensic science’s model of independent regulation and accreditation.
The Antique Firearms Regulations 2021 becomes law on 22nd March 2021. Check whether your firearm qualifies as an antique and read our guidance on what you should do next.
Sign up to our weekly newsletter and get all the latest updates straight to your inbox.
© 2025 British Association for Shooting and Conservation. Registered Office: Marford Mill, Rossett, Wrexham, LL12 0HL – Registered Society No: 28488R. BASC is a trading name of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm reference number 311937.
BASC Direct Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Agria Pet Insurance Ltd who administer the insurance and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Financial Services Register Number 496160. Agria Pet Insurance is registered and incorporated in England and Wales with registered number 04258783. Registered office: First Floor, Blue Leanie, Walton Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP21 7QW. Agria insurance policies are underwritten by Agria Försäkring.
If you have any questions or complaints about your BASC membership insurance cover, please email us. More information about resolving complaints can be found on the FCA website or on the EU ODR platform.