Dear Member

This broadcast is specifically for those RFDs located in the Metropolitan Police force area.

One of the GTA’s core responsibilities is to attend Police Firearms Licensing stakeholder meetings. These meetings, typically held two to three times per year at the relevant Police Force headquarters, provide an opportunity for the Licensing team to present their performance, outline challenges, and explain future plans. Shooting organisations – including the GTA, BASC, BSSC, NRA, NSRA, and others – participate to monitor performance, offer informed feedback, and work collaboratively with the Police to ensure that licensing processes remain balanced, proportionate, and not unduly burdensome.

Last week, I attended the Metropolitan Police shareholder meeting at New Scotland Yard, where I continued to raise concerns about medical certificates for servants and the increasing regulatory burden surrounding explosive storage. The Firearms teams have appointed a new senior officer, Toby Noer, who was keen to make an early impact. As a result, two new issues were raised that I wish to bring to your attention:

Firearms Records & Storage Mr Noer was very clear that he is unhappy with the condition of certain firearms registers and the resulting impact on storage and security. His view was that some dealers are struggling to accurately trace firearms through their registers and armouries, which he considers unacceptable.

Black Powder Requirements Although the main focus of the discussion was on individual shooters, the Metropolitan Police are proposing new requirements for the storage of black powder. These include the installation of comprehensive fire alarm systems for anyone storing less than 1kg, and a 24-hour monitored fire alarm system for those storing more than 1kg in semi-detached, terraced, or apartment properties. Should these proposals be adopted, dealers holding more than 1kg could face the additional cost of installing and maintaining a dedicated 24-hour monitored fire alarm system.

While neither proposal has been finalised, the Metropolitan Police have repeatedly demonstrated their willingness to act outside the Statutory and Police Guidance. We therefore advise maintaining a degree of preparedness to avoid any unexpected compliance issues.

Best Regards

PAUL GREEN Technical Director, Gun Trade Association

tech@gtaltd.co.uk