The Westminster government plans to released a consultation on the future of shotguns, which it has indicated it wants to put on to section one certificates, making it more complicated to own a shotgun in the UK. It is also running this consultation (ends 5 December 2025) for all SGC and FAC holders.
As well as filling out these forms, please either:
Visit your MP at their constituency surgery (typically held every week or two) and explain to them why shotguns should not go on to ‘section 1’, which currently covers rifles.
Or write an email or letter to your MP, making a selection of the points below. Most importantly, put them into your own words. Please also add your own personal experience of firearms and shooting, including why you enjoy the sport. You could also finish with an open invitation to introduce your MP to clayshooting or game shooting/beating – or invite them to a shoot event.
It’s important to include your full name and address on the letter or email so you’re your MP can identify you immediately as a constituent.
Short letters that are concise and to the point are preferable and will have more impact.
You can find your MP’s name and contact details here members.parliament.uk/FindYourMP
The address is Houses of Parliament, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.
Letter regarding Government proposals to merge section 1 (rifles) and section 2 (shotguns) firearms licensing.
- A change to the current system could place restrictive conditions on what a shotgun can be used for and where, for example stating that an individual may only use a shotgun at a clay ground if the individual doesn’t own their own land or have access to land.
- Additional costs for shooters including compulsory membership of clay grounds and clubs to ‘prove’ a need.
- Requirement to store guns off site which would prove costly and prohibitive for many, this could lead to a drop in legitimate certificate holders.
- Restrictions on the amount of shotgun cartridges that can be purchased and stored, including further restrictions on storage requirements.
- Negative impact on an already struggling rural economy, gun shops and country clothing manufacturers, plus sporting hotels and associated trades could see a significant drop in sales and revenue as firearms ownership becomes too onerous and prohibitive.
- The proposals do not enhance or improve public safety – they penalise and further restrict responsible and law-abiding gun owners.
- The real and significant threat to public safety is illegally held weapons – these proposals do nothing to tackle that issue or the growing issue of violent knife crime, often driven by gangs and the illegal drugs market in the UK.
- According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the number of offences involving firearms has been on a downward trend since a peak in 2004.
- Law enforcement agencies indicate that the majority of gun crimes in the UK are committed with illegally-held guns, and in particular imitation firearms. Criminals acquire these through various means, including illegal importation and domestic manufacture.
Here is a letter written to his MP by one of our viewers:
Re: Proposed Reclassification of Shotguns from Section 2 to Section 1 of the Firearms Act
I am writing as a constituent and lawful shotgun certificate holder to express my deep concern about the proposal to reclassify shotguns from Section 2 to Section 1 of the Firearms Act. I believe this change would be profoundly damaging to rural communities, countryside management, and the future of legitimate shooting sports in the UK.
It is estimated that up to 40% of current lawful certificate holders may choose not to renew their certificates if this reclassification goes ahead. Such a decline would have serious consequences for rural businesses, conservation projects, and essential agricultural work. Farmers, land managers, and shoot organisers rely on responsible shotgun owners to help control crop damage, manage livestock predation, and protect vulnerable ground-nesting birds. Losing that support would have immediate and lasting impacts on both the rural economy and the health of our countryside.
At the same time, police firearms licensing departments are already struggling. Years of underfunding have resulted in long delays for renewals and new applications. Many certificate holders face inconsistent interpretations of guidance and ever more time-consuming processes, leading some to abandon the licensing system altogether. Although certificate fees have increased significantly, the level of service provided by police forces has not improved.
Section 1 certificate holders currently undergo far more intensive checks, including enhanced medical assessments, ‘red flag’ markers on medical records, and interviews with referees. Extending this full process to every shotgun owner would dramatically increase pressure on already overstretched licensing departments, almost certainly causing even longer delays and discouraging legitimate, responsible applicants.
It is important to recognise the valuable contribution the shooting community makes to sustainable countryside management. Many people are unaware of the day-to-day challenges faced by those who work the land, from predation and crop damage to maintaining ecological balance. Those who use shotguns responsibly play a vital role in supporting wildlife, protecting habitats, and enabling farms and rural businesses to thrive.
If it would be helpful, I would be very pleased to show you some of the work carried out locally – both the benefits of responsible shooting and the challenges we face in managing pests, safeguarding wildlife, and sustaining agricultural production. Seeing these issues first-hand often provides the clearest understanding of why shotgun ownership is so essential to rural communities.
I respectfully ask you to oppose the proposed reclassification and raise these concerns with the Home Office and relevant parliamentary committees. It is crucial that any changes to firearms legislation remain proportionate, evidence-based, and sensitive to the needs of rural environments.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my views. I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
