Government confirms no home storage ban

The Police Minister has dismissed persistent rumours of a ban on home storage of firearms. Speaking at a packed All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) meeting on 16 June, Dame Diana Johnson MP confirmed the Government has “no plans” to stop certificate holders from keeping rifles at home.

The Minister expressed surprise at the source of the rumour, adding there is “no anti‑gun agenda” in play – though many in the shooting community remain wary given Labour’s historic stance on firearms.

Licensing fees and stricter shotgun rules on the horizon

More serious concerns surfaced during the session. Dame Diana confirmed that licensing fees will continue to rise with inflation, following February’s steep 133 percent increase.

Of even greater concern to shotgun owners, the Minister revealed that the Government will consult on subjecting shotguns to the same strict licensing standards currently applied to rifles. Such a move would mean more red tape, higher costs and additional administrative hurdles for shotgun certificate holders – despite decades of safe and responsible ownership under the existing framework.

Representatives from all major political parties attended the meeting, underscoring the broad political interest in firearms policy. Dame Diana did acknowledge the economic and sporting benefits of shooting to rural communities, farming and countryside sports.

APPG chair Sir Geoffrey Clifton‑Brown commented, “There is still a lot of work to be done,” while BASC’s Christopher Graffius pledged that the organisation will “continue putting pressure on the Home Office” during upcoming consultations.