GCN Objectives

The tightening of gun licensing into a single, more rigorous system that includes all firearms, shotguns and airguns with power in excess of one joule. The onus should be on the applicant to demonstrate their suitability to own a gun and a specific need (rather than a desire) to do so. Any opportunities for the spontaneous purchase of any gun, including air weapons, should be eliminated.

A licence for every gun, renewed every two years (as opposed to the current five-year renewal) and requiring two referees for each application and its renewal.

An increase in the licence fee to cover the real cost of policing a more rigorous system so there is no subsidy from the taxpayer.

Revocation of a gun licence should mean the person cannot own, use or borrow a gun of any sort, including an airgun.

A ban on ‘mass casualty’ weapons, semi-automatic shotguns and .22 calibre semi-automatic rifles styled as military assault rifles. New Zealand and Canada introduced similar legislation following mass shootings.

The lifting of secrecy about gun ownership, making it possible for certain professionals and members of the public to find out who has a licence and for what purpose.

A National Gun Hotline for those wishing to record their concerns about a gun owner. This should be a well-advertised, free phone line for those concerned about their own or another’s safety, or the behaviour or well-being of a gun owner.

Refusal or revocation of a gun licence where there is evidence of the following: domestic violence; drug or alcohol abuse; misuse of a gun; when a relevant misdemeanour has been committed (e.g. shooting of wildlife, threatening behaviour or negligent storage of the weapon); when an applicant has a significant criminal conviction.

Mandatory private and discrete enquiries to former and present partners of new and repeat applicants, and where guns may be returned after a temporary revocation. (Evidence from Canada and Australia shows that gun-related domestic violence has decreased as the legal frameworks on gun licensing and domestic violence have become harmonised.)

Declaration of interest whenever a magistrate or judge dealing with a firearm-related crime or an appeal against revocation is himself/herself a firearms certificate holder.

Independent oversight of the licensing process to ensure a professional distance is maintained between applicants and licensing officers, and police are held accountable.

Removal of the exemption of airsoft weapons from the terms of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006.