New measures to target antique firearms used in violent crime

According to the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NBIS), there has been a sharp rise in the number of antique guns being seized from crime scenes in recent years.

The antique firearms exemption allows collectors and dealers to possess and trade in old firearms that no longer present a danger to the public, but the Home Office says evidence shows this is being exploited for criminal use.

Seven ammunition types will be removed from the definition of ‘antique firearm’, making up to 26,000 guns that use them illegal to own without a firearms licence.

Policing Minister Kit Malthouse said: “Public safety is our top priority and we cannot allow these dangerous firearms to fall into the wrong hands.

“The UK has some of the toughest gun laws in the world – we will do everything in our power to make sure it stays that way.”

In 2007 there were four recoveries of antique guns at crime scenes, which grew to 97 in 2016 and remain at high levels with 69 recovered in 2019.

Since 2007, NBIS says six fatalities have been linked to antique firearms.

Existing owners of the firearms that will be affected by these regulations can apply for a firearm certificate.

They can also sell, deactivate or surrender these firearms ahead of the law changing, which will take place shortly after Parliament approves the legislation.

The maximum sentence for the unlawful possession of a firearm is five years’ imprisonment.

The Home Office said the regulations will be reviewed every three years so that they reflect any future trends in criminal use and do their job of keeping the public safe.

The regulations apply across England and Wales. They apply to Scotland except in respect of air weapons, which is a devolved matter. The regulations do not apply in Northern Ireland as firearms policy is devolved.