Call for Evidence

Terms of reference: Firearms licensing regulations in Scotland

The Committee calls for evidence to be submitted on the following issues:

• How adequate are firearms licensing regulations in the UK, and in Scotland in particular?
• To what extent are firearms licensing regulations adequate and relevant to Scotland’s particular circumstances, including its agricultural communities and its strong connections with countryside sports?
• Should the process for obtaining a licence for firearms be changed (for example, to place greater emphasis on applicants’ mental health)?

The Committee values diversity and encourages members of underrepresented groups to provide submissions.

To note

Where submissions substantially refer to or discuss matters that are awaiting judgment in the courts, the Committee reserves the right to either:

• Redact (blank out) information;
• Choose not to publish those submissions.

The Committee wishes to properly respect the role of the courts, and ensure that matters awaiting judgement are not prejudiced by public comment. For more information please see: Matters sub judice - Erskine May - UK Parliament and Standing Orders: Public Business 2021 (parliament.uk) (Appendix)

Deadline for submissions

The Committee calls for evidence to be submitted by Thursday 13 October.