Constitutional Restoration

The English Defence (Firearms) Bill 2025 (Drafted June 2025)

A bill to uncover the English right to bear arms. Granted in the 1689 Bill of Rights. Concealed by centuries of subsequent legislation, which like so many English liberties, whittled it away.

Michael C R Reiners

13 Nov 2025 • 19 min read

License

This work, The English Defence (Firearms) Act 2025 (June 2025), is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).

You are free to:

Share – copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format
Adapt – remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially

Under the following terms:

Attribution – You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.

Author: Michael C. R. Reiners
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS

PART 1 – PRELIMINARY

Section

Short title
Extent
Commencement
Interpretation
Purpose
Well regulated militia principle

PART 2 – REASONABLENESS OF FORCE

Core test
No duty to retreat
Presumption in dwelling or curtilage
Trespass to property
Proportionality factors
Excessive force
Civil immunity
Children and vulnerable persons
Burden of proof
Coroners and juries
Alcohol and psychoactive substances
Assault on a protected person
Guidance and regulations
Savings for officers

PART 3 – RIGHT TO KEEP, BEAR AND CARRY ARMS

Chapter 1 – Eligibility and Licensing

21. Defence Firearm Certificate

22. Firearm classifications

23. Age and supervision

24. Training and competence

25. Safe storage

25A. Categories of carriage

25B. Prohibited carriage zones

25C. Transport hubs

26. Disqualification

27. Mental health safeguards

27A. Medical notification duty

28. Application procedure

29. Duration and renewal

30. Probationary prohibition orders

31. Register of Defence Firearm Certificates

32. Magazine capacity minima

33. Conversion of legacy certificates

34. Visitors

35. Registered firearms dealers

35A. Private transfers and online sales

35B. Bulk possession controls

36. Augmented and armour piercing ammunition

37. Reloading and component parts

37A. Reactivation of decommissioned firearms

38–43. Technical provisions

Chapter 3 – Prohibited Weapons

44. Dangerous and unusual weapons

PART 4 – CRIMINAL PROCEDURE AND CIVIL IMMUNITY

Stand your ground immunity
Presumption of bail
Lifetime bans on conviction
Return of seized firearms
Civil costs indemnity 62–67. Procedural clauses

PART 5 – ENFORCEMENT POWERS AND OFFENCES

Possession without certificate
Unlawful supply
Unsafe storage
False statement
Alcohol or drug carriage breach
Assault on protected person
Search and seizure
Production of certificate 76–79. Ancillary provisions

PART 6 – REPEALS, SAVINGS AND TRANSITIONAL

Repeals
Savings
Compensation scheme
Transitional guidance 84–91. Technical transitional clauses

PART 7 – GENERAL

Power to make consequential amendments
Crown application
Armed Forces exemption
Isle of Man and Channel Islands
Equality and human rights compatibility
Interpretation Act
Post implementation review

SCHEDULES

Schedule 1 – Serious offences for lethal force test

Schedule 2 – Firearm classes and magazine minima

Schedule 2A – Absolute no carry zones

Schedule 2B – Dangerous and unusual weapons

Schedule 3 – Repeals and amendments

Schedule 4 – Model jury directions

Schedule 5 – Application forms and fees

Schedule 6 – Temporary Sporting Firearm Permit

Schedule 7 – Stop and search code

Schedule 8 – Penalty table

Schedule 9 – Medical notification guidance

Schedule 9A – Suicide risk guidance

An Act to affirm and codify the natural and common law right of self defence. To establish statutory rules governing reasonable force, with or without firearms, in response to trespass, assault or other crime. To confer upon hereditary and indigenous citizens a right to keep, bear and carry arms for lawful defence. To repeal and replace existing firearms legislation, and, for connected purposes.

[Date of Royal Assent XXXXXXXX]

BE IT ENACTED by the King's most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:–

PART 1

PRELIMINARY

1 Short title

This Act may be cited as the English Self Defence Act 20xx.

2 Extent

This Act extends to England and Wales.

3 Commencement

(1) Parts 1 and 2 come into force on the day after Royal Assent.

(2) Parts 3 to 6 come into force on such day or days as the Secretary of State may by regulations appoint, but not later than 18 months after Royal Assent.

4 Interpretation

In this Act–

"assault" includes battery and conduct creating fear of immediate unlawful violence;

"dangerous and unusual weapon" is to be construed in accordance with Schedule 2B;

"firearm" has the meaning given in Schedule 2;

"open carry" means carriage of a visible firearm in a public place;

"qualifying citizen" means a hereditary citizen or an indigenous citizen within the meaning of the British Indigeneity and Citizenship Act 2025;

"self defence" includes defence of another person and defence of property.

5 Purpose

It is the purpose of this Act–

(a) to affirm that the right to defend life, liberty and property is fundamental in English law;

(b) to give statutory effect to the common law defence of self defence;

(c) to recognise lawful self defence as a good and sufficient reason for qualifying citizens to keep, bear and carry arms; and

(d) to establish a well regulated framework for the exercise of those rights consistent with public safety.

6 Well regulated militia principle

Parliament declares that the regulatory regime created by this Act constitutes the well regulated framework historically contemplated by the law of England in respect of the right to keep and bear arms.

PART 2

REASONABLENESS OF FORCE

7 Core test

(1) Force is reasonable if–

(a) the defender honestly believed it necessary to avert or terminate an unlawful attack, trespass or other crime; and

(b) the force used was proportionate to the perceived threat, judged by a prudent person in those circumstances.

(2) A reasonable misapprehension does not negate the defence.

8 No duty to retreat

A person lawfully present in any place owes no duty to retreat before exercising the rights conferred by this Act.

9 Presumption in dwelling or curtilage

(1) Where an intruder enters a dwelling, its curtilage or an occupied vehicle without permission, the defender is presumed to have a reasonable fear of death or grievous bodily harm.

(2) The presumption is rebuttable only if the prosecution proves beyond reasonable doubt that the defender acted with malice aforethought.

10 Trespass to property

(1) Reasonable force, including lethal force, may be used to prevent or terminate trespass or to protect moveable property.

(2) Lethal force is justified only if the defender reasonably believes the trespass is, or will imminently become, a serious offence listed in Schedule 1.

11 Proportionality factors

In determining proportionality a court may consider–

(a) immediacy of the threat;

(b) disparity of size, age, number or weaponry;

(d) prior violent or threatening conduct by the aggressor;

(e) availability of lawful alternatives.

12 Excessive force

(1) Force is excessive if it is grossly disproportionate to the threat.

(2) Excessive force may give rise to liability in accordance with Parts 4 and 5.

13 Civil immunity

No civil action lies against a person who uses force lawful under this Part, save for deliberate or reckless harm to an innocent third party.

14 Children and vulnerable persons

Where the defender is a child or a vulnerable person, reasonableness is judged by reference to a reasonable person of similar age or vulnerability.

15 Burden of proof

(1) Where evidence is adduced that force was used in self defence, the prosecution bears the burden of disproving the defence beyond reasonable doubt.

(2) Section 76 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 is repealed.

16 Coroners and juries

Where a death results from force appearing prima facie reasonable under this Part, the coroner must record the statutory presumption and any jury must be directed accordingly.

17 Alcohol and psychoactive substances

(1) A person commits an offence if they carry or discharge a firearm while–

(a) having a breath alcohol reading exceeding 9 μg per 100 ml, or

(b) under the influence of a controlled drug, save prescription medicine taken as directed.

(2) On first conviction the court shall suspend the offender's firearm certificate for six months; on a second conviction the offender is disqualified for life.

18 Assault on a protected person

(1) A person who discharges, attempts to discharge, or brandishes a firearm or dangerous and unusual weapon at, or towards, a protected person commits an offence.

(2) Protected person means a constable, immigration or customs officer, prison officer, firefighter, paramedic or search and rescue worker.

(3) The offence is triable only on indictment and is punishable by imprisonment for life, with a minimum custodial term of 25 years.

19 Guidance and regulations

The Secretary of State may by regulations amend Schedules 1 or 4.

20 Savings for officers

Nothing in this Part diminishes the powers conferred by sections 3 and 117 of the Criminal Law Act 1967 or any enactment relating to the Armed Forces.

PART 3

RIGHT TO KEEP, BEAR AND CARRY ARMS

CHAPTER 1

ELIGIBILITY AND LICENSING

21 Defence Firearm Certificate

(1) A qualifying citizen aged 21 years or over is entitled to a Defence Firearm Certificate ("DFC") unless disqualified under this Part.

(2) The Chief Officer of Police shall grant or renew a DFC within 60 days of a duly made application.

22 Firearm classifications

Firearms are classified in Schedule 2. Dangerous and unusual weapons are prohibited save as expressly authorised under that Schedule.

23 Age and supervision

(1) A person aged 16 to 20 may handle or fire a firearm only–

(a) at an authorised range or on private land, and

(b) under direct supervision of a certified instructor or a DFC holder of at least five years' standing.

(2) Ownership or unsupervised possession before 21 is prohibited.

24 Training and competence

(1) First time applicants must complete an Approved Competence Course covering safe storage, marksmanship and lawful use of force.

(2) Courses must be accredited by the College of Policing and meet Canadian PAL standards (Part I, sections 5 to 8, Firearms Act 1995).

25 Safe storage

(1) A firearm must be stored–

(a) in a locked cabinet complying with BS 7558:2025; or

(b) secured with an approved trigger locking device;

except when lawfully carried.

(2) A firearm may be stored loaded within a dwelling provided it is immediately accessible only to the certificate holder.

25A Categories of carriage

A DFC may authorise separately–

(a) concealed carry of a defensive handgun;

(b) open carry of a defensive handgun or long gun;

25B Prohibited carriage zones

(1) No firearm may be carried, loaded or unloaded–

(a) within 500 metres of a school, nursery or playground;

(b) within 500 metres of a place of worship while a service is in progress;

(d) within a designated high street retail zone; or

(e) inside a polling station or count centre.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to constables or the Armed Forces.

25C Transport hubs

(1) A person may transport a licensed firearm by air, rail or sea only–

(a) after declaring the firearm and producing the DFC at check in, and

(b) in accordance with carrier policy filed with the Secretary of State.

(2) A carrier who knowingly accepts an undeclared firearm commits an offence.

26 Disqualification

A person is disqualified if–

(a) ever convicted of a firearm offence;

(b) convicted within five years of a violent offence, domestic abuse or any offence involving malice aforethought;

(d) subject to a prohibition order under section 30; or

(e) assessed under sections 27 or 27A as presenting substantial risk.

27 Mental health safeguards

(1) Diagnosis of a mental disorder is not of itself disqualifying.

(2) Each application must be accompanied by a general practitioner certificate stating that, in the doctor's opinion, the applicant presents no substantial risk of violent or suicidal conduct.

27A Medical notification duty

(1) The Medical Review Panel shall take into account any indicators of psychological instability, suicidal ideation, or self-harming behaviour, even absent a formal diagnosis.

(2) The Secretary of State shall issue suicide risk guidance in Schedule 9A.

28 Application procedure

Schedule 5 prescribes the application form, documentary requirements and a fee of £65.

29 Duration and renewal

(1) A DFC is valid for five years.

(2) Renewal requires confirmation of residence, continued good character and completion of a refresher competence module.

30 Probationary prohibition orders

(1) A magistrates' court may, on sworn information, impose a probationary prohibition order disqualifying a person from possessing firearms for up to six months where credible evidence suggests imminent risk.

(2) Any person may file a Protected Firearm Risk Disclosure.

(3) Making a malicious or reckless disclosure is an either way offence punishable by up to five years' imprisonment.

(4) An order may be appealed to the Crown Court.

31 Register of Defence Firearm Certificates

(1) Each Chief Officer shall maintain an electronic register of DFCs.

(2) The register is accessible only–

(a) within the issuing police force, and

(b) to a national security agency acting under warrant.

32 Magazine capacity minima

The Secretary of State may not by regulations prescribe magazine capacity limits lower than–

(a) 10 rounds for handguns;

(b) 15 rounds for rifles;

33 Conversion of legacy certificates

Holders of firearm or shotgun certificates issued under the Firearms Act 1968 may convert to a DFC without fee within 12 months of the commencement of Part 3.

34 Visitors

A visitor may apply for a Temporary Sporting Firearm Permit under Schedule 6; no right to defensive carriage accrues.

35 Registered firearms dealers

A dealer must–

(a) be registered with the Secretary of State;

(b) keep electronic transaction records; and

35A Private transfers and online sales

(1) A private transfer of a firearm or ammunition must be completed through a registered dealer.

(2) An online marketplace must not list firearms or ammunition except via a dealer portal.

35B Bulk possession controls

A Defence Firearm Certificate does not authorise storage of more than 5,000 rounds of ammunition or 20 functional firearms unless the holder is a registered dealer or club armourer. Excess possession constitutes an offence.

36 Augmented and armour piercing ammunition

(1) The manufacture, sale, import, export or possession of augmented ammunition (as defined in subsection (4)) is prohibited save for Ministry of Defence contracts.

(2) [Reserve for subsections (2) and (3)]

(3) [Reserve for subsection (3)]

(4) Augmented ammunition includes explosive, incendiary, armour piercing, sabot discarding, Teflon coated and flat cap sub calibre penetrator rounds.

37 Reloading and component parts

A DFC holder may manufacture ammunition for personal use if–

(a) each case is headstamped with the holder's unique identifier;

(b) no augmented component is used; and

(c) any component part kits sold in bulk ('BG packs') must be traceable by batch number, with sales restricted to registered firearms dealers and recorded electronically.

37A Reactivation of decommissioned firearms

(1) A person must not reactivate or possess a reactivated firearm unless the reactivation complies with technical deactivation criteria certified by an armourer approved under Schedule 6.

(2) A person who knowingly purchases or modifies a decommissioned weapon to make it operational without authorisation commits an offence.

38–43 Technical provisions

Sections 38 to 43 make provision for–

(a) inspection powers;

(b) revocation procedure;

(d) carriage on commercial transport;

(e) range approvals;

(f) dealer audit requirements; and

(g) loss and theft reporting.

CHAPTER 3

PROHIBITED WEAPONS

44 Dangerous and unusual weapons

(1) Schedule 2B sets out dangerous and unusual weapons (battlefield class tactical ordnance, grenades, rockets, mortars, fully automatic firearms generating more than 15 kJ muzzle energy, sound suppressors, stun guns, pepper spray, CS gas, directed energy weapons).

(2) A person who possesses such a weapon commits an offence unless acting under–

(a) a contract with the Ministry of Defence, or

(b) a special permit issued by the Secretary of State to a police force or Crown agency.

PART 4

CRIMINAL PROCEDURE AND CIVIL IMMUNITY

57 Stand your ground immunity

A qualifying citizen who uses a firearm in accordance with Part 2 is immune from prosecution unless the prosecution proves intentional homicide or reckless discharge endangering an innocent person.

58 Presumption of bail

A court must grant bail to a person relying on self defence unless substantial grounds exist under the Bail Act 1976.

59 Lifetime bans on conviction

A person is disqualified for life upon–

(a) any conviction for a firearm offence;

(b) a second conviction under section 17; or

60 Return of seized firearms

Seized firearms must be returned–

(a) upon a decision not to charge,

(b) upon acquittal, or

61 Civil costs indemnity

A court shall award full indemnity costs to a successful defendant in criminal or civil proceedings arising from use of force under this Act.

62–67 Procedural clauses

Sections 62 to 67 make provision for–

(a) CPS charging standards;

(b) coroner duties;

(d) forensic protocols;

(e) jury directions (see Schedule 4); and

(f) related matters.

PART 5

ENFORCEMENT POWERS AND OFFENCES

68 Possession without certificate

(1) A person who possesses a firearm without a certificate commits an offence.

(2) The offence is triable either way and is punishable on conviction on indictment by imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years and forfeiture.

(3) A court may, where justified by exceptional circumstances and no threat to public safety is posed, impose a non-custodial sentence.

69 Unlawful supply

(1) A person who supplies a firearm to a non-certificate holder commits an offence.

(2) The offence is triable on indictment and is punishable by imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years.

70 Unsafe storage

Contravention of section 25 is a summary offence punishable by an unlimited fine.

71 False statement

(1) A person who knowingly makes a false statement in an application or renewal commits an offence.

(2) The offence is triable either way and is punishable by–

(a) on conviction on indictment, imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years; or

(b) on summary conviction, a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum.

(3) Upon conviction, the person is disqualified for life under section 59.

72 Alcohol or drug carriage breach

For penalties relating to breach of section 17, see section 17(2).

73 Assault on protected person

For the life sentence provision relating to assault on a protected person, see section 18.

74 Search and seizure

(1) A constable may stop, search and, if necessary, seize any firearm or ammunition where the constable has reasonable grounds to suspect a breach of this Act.

(2) Schedule 7 sets out record keeping, rights of the person searched and complaints procedure.

75 Production of certificate

A constable may require immediate production of a DFC when a firearm is carried in a public place.

76–79 Ancillary provisions

Sections 76 to 79 make provision for–

(a) forfeiture;

(b) sentencing guidelines;

(d) code of practice mirroring PACE Codes A and B.

PART 6

REPEALS, SAVINGS AND TRANSITIONAL

80 Repeals

The enactments listed in Schedule 3 are repealed to the extent specified.

81 Savings

Existing convictions and proceedings under repealed enactments continue as if this Act had not been passed.

82 Compensation scheme

Owners of firearms newly prohibited by Schedule 2B are entitled to compensation assessed by the Valuation Office Agency.

83 Transitional guidance

The Secretary of State must issue guidance for licensing authorities, the CPS, the judiciary and the public within six months of Royal Assent.

84–91 Technical transitional clauses

Sections 84 to 91 make provision for–

(a) validation of existing dealer registrations;

(b) continuity of evidence;

(d) related transitional matters.

PART 7

GENERAL

92 Power to make consequential amendments

(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations make consequential, supplementary or incidental provision.

(2) Regulations under subsection (1) are subject to the affirmative resolution procedure.

(3) The Secretary of State may by regulations restrict categories of firearm or usage where consistent with the objectives of this Act, provided such restriction is laid before Parliament and subject to affirmative resolution.

93 Crown application

This Act binds the Crown.

94 Armed Forces exemption

Nothing in this Act affects the discipline or equipment of His Majesty's Forces.

95 Isle of Man and Channel Islands

This Act may be extended to the Isle of Man or any of the Channel Islands by Order in Council, with or without modifications.

96 Equality and human rights compatibility

Before making regulations under this Act the Secretary of State must certify compatibility with the Equality Act 2010 and the Human Rights Act 1998.

97 Interpretation Act

The Interpretation Act 1978 applies to this Act.

98 Post implementation review

The Secretary of State must conduct a review of the operation of this Act and lay a report before Parliament within five years of the commencement of Part 3.

SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE 1

SERIOUS OFFENCES FOR LETHAL FORCE TEST

Section 10

The following offences–

Robbery

Burglary with weapon

Aggravated trespass

Kidnapping

False imprisonment

Arson endangering life

Offences under the Terrorism Acts 2000 and 2006

SCHEDULE 2

FIREARM CLASSES AND MAGAZINE MINIMA

Section 22

Part A – Defensive Handguns

Calibre not exceeding .45

Part B – Defensive Long Guns

Semi automatic centre fire not exceeding .308

Part C – Sporting and Vermin Rifles

Bolt action, lever action, air rifles exceeding 12 ft lb

Part D – Prohibited Weapons

See Schedule 2B

Magazine Capacities

Minimum magazine capacities as per section 32:

(a) 10 rounds for handguns

(b) 15 rounds for rifles

SCHEDULE 2A

ABSOLUTE NO CARRY ZONES

Section 25B

Part 1 – Schools and Educational Premises

Legal descriptions and GIS coordinates of schools, nurseries and playgrounds

Part 2 – Places of Worship

Legal descriptions and GIS coordinates of worship premises

Part 3 – Designated Retail Zones

Procedure for local authority designation of high street retail zones

Part 4 – Electoral Premises

Legal descriptions of polling stations and count centres

SCHEDULE 2B

DANGEROUS AND UNUSUAL WEAPONS

Section 44

The following weapons are dangerous and unusual weapons for the purposes of this Act–

Battlefield class tactical ordnance

Grenades

Rockets

Mortars

Fully automatic firearms exceeding 15 kJ muzzle energy

Sound suppressors

Stun guns

Pepper spray

CS gas

Directed energy weapons

Exemptions

Exemptions are granted for–

(a) contracts with the Ministry of Defence

(b) special permits to police forces

SCHEDULE 3

REPEALS AND AMENDMENTS

Section 80

Part 1 – Repeals

(1) The enactments listed in Schedule 3 are repealed to the extent specified.

(2) The following statutes and statutory provisions are repealed in full:

Gun Licence Act 1870
Pistols Act 1903
Firearms Act 1920
Firearms Act 1937
Firearms Act 1968
Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988
Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997
Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006, sections relating to firearms
Offensive Weapons Act 2019, sections relating to firearms and possession
Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008, section 76

(3) Any contrary implication in regulations or Orders in Council made under the above Acts is likewise revoked.

(4) Nothing in this section shall be construed as repealing or limiting the Bill of Rights 1689, which remains in full force and is hereby reaffirmed, particularly:

“That the Subjects which are Protestants may have Arms for their Defence suitable to their Conditions and as allowed by Law.”

(5) It is declared for the avoidance of doubt that the phrase “as allowed by Law” in the 1689 Act includes future affirmations by Parliament of lawful self-defence and the right to keep and bear arms by qualifying citizens.

Part 2 – Consequential Amendments

Consequential amendments to–

Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984

Police Act 1996

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (in so far as relating to sporting arms)

Any reference in secondary legislation to a "firearms certificate"

SCHEDULE 4

MODEL JURY DIRECTIONS

Section 62

Direction on Self Defence

Plain English direction approved by the Judicial College covering–

(a) honest belief test

(b) proportionality assessment

(d) statutory presumptions under section 9

(e) burden of proof resting on prosecution

SCHEDULE 5

APPLICATION FORMS AND FEES

Section 28

Part 1 – Forms

Statutory form DFC 1 (initial application)

Statutory form DFC 2 (renewal)

Statutory form DFC 3 (variation)

Part 2 – Photographic Standards

Guidance on photographic standards for applications

Part 3 – Fees

Application Type	Fee
Initial application	£65
Renewal	£65
Variation	£32

SCHEDULE 6

TEMPORARY SPORTING FIREARM PERMIT

Section 34

Conditions of Permit

(1) Maximum duration: 90 days

(2) Firearm must remain at authorised club or event armoury

(3) No defensive carriage permitted

(4) Holder must be supervised at all times

SCHEDULE 7

STOP AND SEARCH CODE

Section 74

Part 1 – Rights of Person Searched

Rights include–

(a) right to written receipt

(b) right to grounds for search

Part 2 – Record Keeping

Constable must record–

(a) grounds for search

(b) items seized

Part 3 – Data Retention

Records must be retained for six years

Part 4 – Complaints

Complaint route via Police and Crime Commissioner

Part 5 – Statistical Returns

Annual Home Office statistical return required

SCHEDULE 8

PENALTY TABLE

Sections 68–73

Consolidated Table of Offences

Offence	Section	Mode of Trial	Maximum Penalty
Possession without certificate	68	Either way	5 years
Unlawful supply	69	Indictment	10 years
Unsafe storage	70	Summary	Unlimited fine
False statement	71	Either way	2 years
Alcohol/drug breach	17	Either way	Certificate suspension/disqualification
Assault on protected person	18	Indictment	Life (minimum 25 years)

SCHEDULE 9

MEDICAL NOTIFICATION GUIDANCE

Section 27

Part 1 – Standard Form

Statutory form GP 1 for general practitioner certificate

Part 2 – Timescales

GP must respond within 14 days of request

Part 3 – Panel Constitution

Medical Review Panel to consist of–

(a) consultant psychiatrist

(b) general practitioner

Part 4 – Hearing Procedure

Panel may–

(a) interview applicant

(b) request medical records

Part 5 – Confidentiality

All medical information subject to strict confidentiality safeguards

SCHEDULE 9A

SUICIDE RISK GUIDANCE

Section 27A

Part 1 – Risk Factors

Medical Review Panel shall consider–

(a) history of self-harm

(b) suicidal ideation

(d) substance misuse

(e) social isolation

Part 2 – Clinical Indicators

Indicators of psychological instability include–

(a) severe depression

(b) psychotic symptoms

(d) recent crisis

Part 3 – Procedural Duties

General practitioners must–

(a) assess mental state

(b) review medical history

Part 4 – Review Thresholds

Medical Review Panel must be convened where–

(a) applicant has attempted suicide within previous five years

(b) applicant currently receiving crisis mental health intervention

EXPLANATORY NOTES

Overview

These Explanatory Notes relate to the English Self Defence and Firearms Liberties Act 2025. They have been prepared by the Home Office in order to assist the reader of the Act. They do not form part of the Act and have not been endorsed by Parliament.
The Notes need to be read in conjunction with the Act. They are not, and are not meant to be, a comprehensive description of the Act.

Background

Qualifying citizens – Rights granted under Part 3 apply only to hereditary, indigenous citizens as defined identically in the British Indigeneity and Citizenship Act 2025.
Balance of liberty and safety – Training, safe storage, red flag orders and prohibited zones deliver the "well regulated" element without nullifying the substantive right.
International comparators – Licensing structure reflects Canadian PAL; immunity and no retreat clauses adapt US stand your ground models; sentencing retains UK gravity.
Equality and human rights compliance – All disqualification triggers are behaviour based; section 96 requires Ministerial certification of compatibility with the Equality Act 2010 and HRA 1998.

Commentary on Sections

Part 1: Preliminary

Section 1: Short title This section provides the short title by which the Act may be cited.

Section 2: Extent The Act extends to England and Wales only. Separate provision would be required for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Section 3: Commencement Parts 1 and 2 (preliminary provisions and reasonableness of force) come into force immediately upon Royal Assent. Parts 3 to 6 (licensing regime, procedure and enforcement) are subject to delayed commencement to allow time for implementation, but must be brought into force within 18 months.

Part 2: Reasonableness of Force

Sections 7–16 These sections codify and modernise the common law defence of self defence, removing the duty to retreat and establishing a statutory presumption in dwelling house cases. The test is subjective (honest belief) with an objective overlay (proportionality judged by reference to a reasonable person).

Sections 17–18 These sections create specific offences relating to firearm misuse: carrying whilst intoxicated and assault on emergency workers. The latter attracts a mandatory life sentence reflecting the gravity of armed attack on those serving the public.

Part 3: Right to Keep, Bear and Carry Arms

Sections 21–44 Part 3 establishes the Defence Firearm Certificate system. Qualifying citizens aged 21 or over are entitled to a certificate unless disqualified. Disqualification is behaviour-based and includes criminal convictions, mental health risks, and dishonourable discharge from the Armed Forces.

Training requirements mirror the Canadian Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) system. Safe storage requirements balance ready accessibility for defence with security against theft or unauthorised access.

Prohibited carriage zones (schools, places of worship, licensed premises, polling stations) reflect the need to balance individual liberty with specific public safety concerns in sensitive locations.

Medical safeguards require GP certification but avoid blanket exclusion based on diagnosis alone, focusing instead on risk assessment.

Sections 35–37A These sections regulate the commercial supply chain. All transfers must pass through registered dealers to ensure traceability. Bulk possession is controlled to prevent stockpiling for criminal purposes. Reloading for personal use is permitted but subject to traceability requirements.

Section 44 and Schedule 2B Military-grade weapons (grenades, rockets, fully automatic firearms exceeding 15 kJ, sound suppressors) are prohibited for civilian use save for Crown contractors and specialist police units.

Part 4: Criminal Procedure and Civil Immunity

Sections 57–61 Part 4 provides procedural protections for those who use defensive force. Stand your ground immunity prevents prosecution except where intentional homicide or reckless endangerment is proved. Seized firearms must be returned promptly upon acquittal or discontinuance. Successful defendants are entitled to full indemnity costs.

Part 5: Enforcement Powers and Offences

Sections 68–79 Part 5 creates a graduated system of offences with proportionate penalties. Possession without certificate and false statements attract either way liability. Unlawful supply is indictable only. Unsafe storage is summary only, recognising its regulatory rather than inherently criminal character.

Search and seizure powers are modelled on PACE with appropriate safeguards.

Part 6: Repeals, Savings and Transitional

Sections 80–91 Part 6 repeals the Firearms Act 1968 and subsequent amending Acts. Existing convictions and proceedings are saved. A compensation scheme is established for weapons newly prohibited. Transitional guidance must be issued within six months to ensure smooth implementation.

Part 7: General

Sections 92–98 Part 7 contains standard provisions regarding Crown application, Armed Forces exemption, territorial extension, and post-implementation review.

Financial Effects of the Act

The Act will have financial implications for–

(a) Police forces (administration of DFC regime, enforcement)

(b) Courts (additional litigation, compensation scheme administration)

(d) The Home Office (regulatory oversight, guidance production)

A full impact assessment will be published separately.

License

ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS

Get involved