Some members of the Isle of Man’s Firearms Licensing Consultative Committee (FLCC) say they feel betrayed after the Department for Home Affairs (DHA) proposed legislative changes without prior discussion.
In summer 2023, the DHA formed the FLCC to help revise the island’s outdated firearms legislation. The Firearms Act 1947 remains the primary law, despite decades of calls for reform.
The committee included sport shooters, farmers, collectors, and Constabulary representatives.
Between 2023 and March 2025, the FLCC met regularly with DHA officials. Members believed the process was collaborative and constructive.
Meetings Halted Without Explanation
Since March, the DHA has not scheduled further meetings. The departure of the legislation coordinator in Spring may explain the pause, but the department is alleged never to have communicated a formal update.
Then, on 23 September, FLCC members received a letter from DHA Chief Officer Dan Davies. The letter announced a public consultation on the draft Justice Reform (Amendment) Bill 2025.
Proposed Amendment Never Discussed
The Bill includes clauses 54 and 61, which propose changes to the Firearms Act 1947 and the Shotguns, Air Weapons and Cross-bows Act 1994. These clauses would allow statutory guidance that the Chief Constable and High Bailiff must consider when exercising their duties. The DHA had never discussed this proposal with the FLCC.
Some Committee members say the move undermines their work and erodes trust.
“Why did the DHA convene the FLCC if they weren’t willing to discuss actual legislative changes with us?” one member asked. “It makes a mockery of the process.”
Consultation Closes Today
The public consultation began on 23 September and closes today, 27 October 2025.
Some FLCC members say the short notice left them scrambling to respond. They argue that the DHA’s actions reflect a broader pattern of superficial consultation.
“This just seems to be the way government operates here—lip service to cooperation,” said a member.
What Changed?
The DHA may argue that the legislation is outdated and needs urgent reform. But some FLCC members say that’s precisely why the committee exists. They question what changed in the past six months to justify a rushed amendment. The Committee Member told Manx.News “The proposed changes won’t fix the broader issues in the legislation, which still needs a full overhaul”.
How to Respond
Stakeholders can submit feedback via the Isle of Man Government Consultation Hub or email Committee Secretariat at Victoria.Naylor2@gov.im.
