Guest Author, Barrister Conor Monighan outlines what to do if your firearms, shotgun, or explosives certificate has been refused or revoked.
While police decisions are serious, they can be challenged but professional support is essential.
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Guest Author, Barrister Conor Monighan outlines the layered structure of UK firearms law, highlighting how legislation, case law, statutory guidance, and practice documents work together to regulate licensing.
The article clarifies the hierarchy of legal sources—from the Firearms Act 1968 to influential case law and Home Office guidance—emphasising the balance between authority, interpretation, and practical application.
Designed to help certificate holders and professionals understand the framework, it underscores that licensing is shaped not by a single rulebook, but by a mesh of evolving legal sources.
The British Shooting Sports Council (BSSC) serves as the united voice of the UK’s licensed shooting and collecting community, representing 15 major organisations. As an umbrella body, it engages closely with government, the Home Office, and international partners to advocate for fair, evidence-based policy on firearms regulation.
Amid mounting challenges—including proposed new police powers and licensing reform—the BSSC emphasises calm, coordinated advocacy to protect lawful shooting while maintaining public safety.
With a mission rooted in trust, patience, and constructive dialogue, the BSSC works to ensure that the contributions of over half a million certificate holders and a £3bn industry are recognised and respected.