Why the 'Keyham Test' is so important for the future of shooting
Martin Parker
With the Home Office shortly expected to deliver a statement on firearms licensing following the conclusion of the coroner’s inquest on the Keyham shootings, BASC has devised the so-called ‘Keyham Test’ to ensure any proposals put forward will make a real difference to public safety, says Martin Parker.
The events in Keyham on August 12, 2021 were an atrocious tragedy which deeply impacted the families and friends of the victims and the local community. When someone dies unexpectedly, the law quite rightly requires that death to be investigated by a coroner.
The coroner needs to establish what happened and can make recommendations in a bid to prevent future deaths. It is right and proper that every possible action is examined to ensure that the mistakes that led to Jake Davison being granted a shotgun certificate cannot easily be replicated elsewhere.
BASC has devised the so-called ‘Keyham Test’ and believes it is essential that the Home Office applies it to every recommendation announced by the Minister. In essence, the ‘Keyham Test’ is to assess each proposal, considering whether it could have stopped the Keyham shootings from occurring, or could help prevent a further tragedy.
By using it in this way, the ‘Keyham Test’ will allow for improvements to be made to firearms licensing, while not disproportionately impeding legal activities.
An effective and functional firearms licensing system
BASC and the wider shooting community support an effective and efficient functional system of firearms licensing which protects public safety. The last thing we want to see are firearms in the hands of those not suitable to hold them.
In a statement made in the House of Commons following the shootings, the Policing Minister, Chris Philp, said that: “any further changes [to firearms licensing and law] needed to protect the public”. He promised a substantive statement 60 days after he received the coroner’s recommendations. The statement is now due.
The current situation allows for an opportunity to scrutinise the licensing system and bring forward sensible licensing reform. But with a high level of political and media scrutiny, there is a very real possibility of knee-jerk recommendations being taken forward which disproportionately damage shooting activities.
What happens next?
In advance of the Policing Minister’s statement, the principles of the ‘Keyham Test’ have been sent to the Home Office, all Police and Crime Commissioners in England and Wales, and civil servants.
In the case of Keyham, potential significant improvements should be directed at enhancing the application of the law rather than changes to the law. The reform should therefore target this failing and ensure that firearms licensing departments apply the existing law.
BASC has already fed a series of suggested improvements into the Home Office, including the introduction of a national regulator to monitor and manage both firearms licensing and the training of police staff and officers to improve standards, and will continue to do so through whatever process follows as a result of a statement by the Minister.
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