The Firearms Act 2023 (Commencement) Regulations 2025
The Firearms Act 2023 (Commencement) Regulations 2025 bring into force sections 1 and 2 of the Firearms Act 2023 on May 1st, 2025.
Section 1 clarifies the rules regarding miniature rifles at shooting galleries, allowing their use without a firearms certificate under certain conditions.
Section 2 introduces a new offense for possessing ammunition components with the intent to manufacture ammunition.
The regulations extend to England, Wales, and Scotland.
Arguments For
Enhanced Public Safety: The regulations aim to improve public safety by clarifying the legal framework around miniature rifle ranges and the possession of ammunition components, potentially reducing the risk of firearms-related incidents.
Streamlined Legal Framework: By bringing specific sections of the 2023 Act into force, the regulations aim to create a clearer and more efficient legal framework governing firearms, enhancing enforcement and compliance.
Alignment with Policy Goals: The commencement of these sections supports the overall policy goal of responsible firearm ownership and regulation.
Addressing Gaps in Previous Legislation: The regulations address existing gaps in the 1968 Act, specifically clarifying the rules surrounding miniature rifles in shooting galleries and the possession of ammunition components for manufacturing purposes.
Arguments Against
Potential for Unintended Consequences: Changes to the law could potentially have unintended consequences that are not immediately apparent. The impact may need further evaluation after implementation.
Resource Implications for Enforcement: Effective enforcement of these regulations could require additional resources for law enforcement agencies.
Complexity of Legal Interpretation: While aiming for clarity, the amendments might introduce complexities requiring judicial interpretation, leading to potential legal challenges and uncertainty.
Limited Scope: The regulations only address specific sections of the 2023 Act and do not cover the broader aspects of firearms regulation.
- Citation and extent (1) These Regulations may be cited as the Firearms Act 2023 (Commencement) Regulations 2025. (2) These Regulations extend to England and Wales and Scotland.
This section provides the official title and geographical scope.
The regulations are titled "Firearms Act 2023 (Commencement) Regulations 2025" and apply to England, Wales, and Scotland.
- Provisions coming into force on 1st May 2025 The following provisions of the Firearms Act 2023 come into force on 1st May 2025— (a) section 1 (miniature rifle ranges and shooting galleries); (b) section 2 (possessing component parts of ammunition with intent to manufacture).
This section specifies that sections 1 and 2 of the Firearms Act 2023 will come into effect on May 1st, 2025.
Section 1 deals with miniature rifle ranges and shooting galleries; Section 2 concerns possessing parts for making ammunition.
Explanatory Note (This note is not part of the Regulations) These Regulations bring into force sections 1 and 2 of the Firearms Act 2023 (c. 49) ("the 2023 Act") on 1st May 2025. Regulation 2(a) brings into force section 1 of the 2023 Act which amends sections 11 and 23(2)(b) of the Firearms Act 1968 (c. 27) ("the 1968 Act"). The effect is that, firstly, a person may, without holding a firearms certificate under the 1968 Act, at a relevant rifle range or shooting gallery, have in their possession a miniature rifle and ammunition for a miniature rifle, where those items were provided by the operator of the range or gallery. Secondly, an exception to an offence under the 1968 Act for a person under the age of eighteen to have an air weapon or ammunition when they are at a shooting gallery is amended by replacing “miniature rifles not exceeding .23 inch calibre” with “rifles chambered for .22 rim-fire cartridges”. Regulation 2(b) brings into force section 2 of the 2023 Act which inserts into the 1968 Act new section 3A. That creates an offence for a person to have in their possession any component parts of ammunition if they intend to manufacture ammunition using those parts, where it would be an offence for that person to possess or manufacture such ammunition under the 1968 Act. Sections 1 and 2 are the only remaining provisions of the 2023 Act to be commenced. Section 3 (extent, commencement and short title) came into force on Royal Assent (18th September 2023). A full impact assessment has not been prepared for these Regulations as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen.
The explanatory note provides further detail.
It clarifies that Section 1 of the 2023 Act modifies the 1968 Act to allow possession of miniature rifles and ammunition at designated ranges without a certificate if provided by the operator and updates the age restriction regarding air weapons and ammunition in shooting galleries.
Section 2 introduces Section 3A to the 1968 Act, criminalizing possession of ammunition components intended for manufacturing.
The note also states that a full impact assessment was deemed unnecessary due to the lack of significant foreseen impact on various sectors.
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