Government to hold public consultation on shotgun legislation reform following Keyham tragedy

Luke Pollard MP has welcomed the government’s decision to conduct a broader public consultation on reforming shotgun legislation, a move that reverses the previous government’s rejection of such a review. The consultation will revisit the recommendations made following the Keyham shooting, aiming to align shotgun controls with the stricter regulations currently applied to firearms.
Mr Pollard had previously criticised the government’s failure to act on the Keyham coroner’s recommendation to strengthen shotgun laws, arguing that it was a missed opportunity to enhance public safety. His concerns have now been acknowledged with the announcement by Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson, who stated in Parliament that “shotguns are no less lethal than other firearms”. The forthcoming consultation will examine potential changes to ensure consistency in firearm regulations.
In addition to the consultation, Dame Diana outlined a series of reforms aimed at improving firearm safety and police enforcement. New police powers will be introduced, allowing officers to enter properties and seize firearms where necessary. Furthermore, the number of referees required for shotgun applications will increase to two, in line with the Keyham Inquest’s recommendations.
Another major change, effective from February 5, 2025, will require firearm licence applicants to cover the full cost of their applications, rather than relying on police funding. This shift is expected to free up £103 million for police forces over the next decade, enabling better decision-making and enhanced public safety measures.
Mandatory training for firearms licensing officers was also implemented in November, following persistent calls from Luke Pollard MP and the Keyham community to ensure a more robust and uniform approach to firearm licensing across all police forces.
Reflecting on these developments, Luke Pollard MP, who represents Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, stated: “I welcome the Home Office’s decision to issue a new consultation on gun law reform after the tragedy in Keyham.
“I warned at the time that the last government should have consulted on all the coroner’s recommendations, not just some of them. Now Home Office Ministers are seeking a new broad consultation on changes that will include legally held firearms like that used in Keyham.
“I did not agree with the decision by the Conservative government to delay this consultation before the election, and I am glad the new government has restarted work after my request and has now published its findings and plans for a further consultation. This could all have been avoided if they had just followed the Coroner’s original recommendations.
“The only way to stop another tragedy like we saw in Keyham is to learn the painful lessons of our experiences. I will ensure Plymouth’s voice is heard in the new consultation.”
The consultation is expected to take place later this year, allowing members of the public, law enforcement, and stakeholders to provide their input on potential legislative reforms. The move signals a renewed focus on public safety and firearm regulation in response to past tragedies.