UK law governing possession and use of firearms, with ongoing amendments since 1968
HMICFRS has flagged a fragile firearms licensing system in England and Wales, calling for a single national authority after reporting nearly 500,000 certificate holders and at least 39 murders linked to legally owned weapons over the past decade. The watchdog says guidance and oversight are unclear, prompting reform to close the “postcode lottery.” Campaigners warn backlogs and practical hurdles risk public safety.