UK tightens firearms licensing rules.

The UK government has introduced new rules to prevent individuals with a history of violence or domestic abuse from owning firearms. 

This follows a recent case where a 19-year-old individual forged a license to purchase a shotgun and committed multiple murders. 

Policing minister, Dame Diana Johnson, has emphasized the importance of ensuring only responsible individuals are permitted to own lethal weapons, and the government said the Police will now conduct interviews with partners or household members of firearms license applicants to identify signs of domestic abuse, adding that evidence of dishonesty, including withholding medical history, will be considered when evaluating applications.

The government explained that the changes aim to prioritize public safety and prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands, stating that the new rules require shotgun license applicants to have two referees, aligning with rules for other firearms. 

The government stated that further consultation will be launched later this year to explore tightening controls on shotgun ownership, including improving rules on private firearms sales. 

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