Firearms Licensing Consultation: Everyone MUST Respond
Please commit to responding when the consultation opens. Help protect the future of shooting sports in the UK.
The Consultation That Could Reshape Shooting in the UK
The UK Government will soon launch a public consultation on proposals to merge Section 1 (firearms) and Section 2 (shotguns) licensing.
While this may sound like a technical administrative change, its consequences could be profound.
If implemented without proper challenge, the merger risks:
- Increased restrictions on lawful shotgun ownership
- More complex, costly and time-consuming licensing
- Reduced participation in shooting sports
- Serious economic damage to rural and shooting-related businesses
This consultation represents one of the most important moments for shooting sports in a generation.
This Is Not Just About Shooters
Shooting supports a vast ecosystem far beyond those who hold certificates.
If shooting is restricted, the impact will be felt by:
- Gun shops, shooting grounds, instructors and coaches
- Ammunition, firearm, and accessory manufacturers
- Country clothing and equipment retailers
- Pubs, hotels, B&B’s, and rural tourism businesses
- Farms and estates
- Game dealers and processors
- Vets, feed suppliers, and agricultural services
- Event staff, beaters, loaders, and casual workers
- Families and communities whose livelihoods depend on the countryside
Whether you shoot, work in the industry, host shoots, or simply benefit from their presence – this consultation affects you.
Silence Will Be Interpreted as Agreement
Public consultations are not opinion polls – they are evidence-gathering exercises.
If responses are low, or dominated by those opposed to shoting, policymakers may conclude that:
- The merger is uncontroversial
- Lawful gun owners and rural businesses have no serious concerns
- Additional restrictions are acceptable
Failing to respond does not protect the sport. It weakens it.
Opponents of Shooting WILL Use the Consultation to Advance Their Objectives
Animal rights and anti-shooting organisations are experienced at mobilising large numbers of coordinated responses and will seek to influence the outcome accordingly.
If those who rely on shooting – economically, socially, or professionally – do not respond in equal measure, the resulting policy risks being shaped without proper consideration of its real-world consequences.
Engagement is the only way to counterbalance this and protect lawful shooting sports in the UK.
Everyone Can Respond, Not Just Certificate Holders
You do not need to hold a shotgun or firearms certificate to take part.
Family members, employees, customers, suppliers, and supporters of shooting sports are all entitled, and encouraged, to respond.
A broad, well-reasoned response base demonstrates:
- The true economic and social scale of shooting
- That the consequences extend far beyond individual gun owners
- That rushed or poorly considered changes risk real harm
Respond The Right Way
Shooting organisations will be publishing clear guidance on how to respond effectively. This is vital.
- Follow the official guidance
- Stick to factual, reasoned answers
- Avoid emotional language
- Focus on proportionally, evidence, and unintended consequences
Coordinated, well-structured responses carry far more weight than unplanned individual submissions.
What you Can do Now
- Commit to responding when the consultation opens
- Encourage Colleagues, customers, friends, and family to respond
- Use and share the guidance from recognised organisations
- Treat this as a collective responsibility – not someone else’s problem
The future of shooting sports in the UK depends on participation, not complacency.