Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans she has to increase the duration of firearms certificates; and if she will make a statement.

The duration of firearm and shotgun certificates is five years. We have no plans to increase the duration of these certificates at present. However, firearms licensing is kept under review and we will consider the duration of firearm and shotgun certificates following improvements to the arrangements for medical checks which are underway.

The administration of firearms licensing is an operational matter for police forces. The Government recognises that some firearms applications are inevitably being affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The National Police Chiefs Council has been in contact with forces and I understand that during these exceptional times forces may need to flex their response but will maintain a business as usual approach wherever possible. I am aware that forces are rightly giving priority to renewal applications as those applicants are already in possession of firearms. The position is expected to ease as the national restrictions are lifted.