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Gun Control and Ownership Laws in the UK

BBC News

3 June 2010

By Dominic Casciani

Relevant contents

Getting a licence

Getting a licence is a long and complicated business. Every stage of the process is designed to reduce the likelihood of a gun falling into the wrong hands. It starts with an application form which asks specific questions about why the individual wants a gun, telling them they need to show "good reason"…..

Independent referees provide character statements in which they are expected to answer in detail about the applicant's mental state, home life and attitude towards guns.

Those statements are passed confidentially to the police and are not seen by the applicant.

Police will check the Police National Computer for a criminal record and local intelligence systems. They'll speak to the applicant's GP for evidence of alcoholism, drug abuse or signs of personality disorder. Social services may be asked for any records of family problems - and counter-terrorism or special branch officers might be given a a call too.

Finally, senior officers will only approve an application if the prospective certificate holder has a secure location for the weapons, such as a gun cabinet. Each certificate is valid for five years…

ID: N189

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