MP urging farmers to oppose revenue-raising gun tax
Department of Justice proposals to raise firearms licensing fees by up to 153% have been heavily criticised by Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart.
She said: “The proposed ‘gun tax’ is another revenue-generating measure that will impact farmers who are already under extreme financial pressure.”
Ms Lockhart added: “The UK government raised firearms licensing costs on 5th February 2025. As a result, farmers in England, Scotland and Wales, have been saddled with exorbitant fees for obtaining and renewing firearms and shotgun permits.
“I sought clarification on the issue last year following growing concerns from the local farming community, but was assured by the PSNI’s Firearms and Explosives Branch that it was a devolved Stormont Assembly matter and that the increases weren’t applicable in Northern Ireland.”
“However, just over 13 months later, Justice Minister Naomi Long is attempting to mirror these astronomical increases by launching a consultation on proposed amendments to the Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 2004 - amendments to schedule 6 licensing fees, and schedule 1A calibres of firearms, referred to as the banded system.”
The DUP’s Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs spokesperson continued: “The news that farmers in Northern Ireland could see similar full cost recovery fees introduced locally is unwelcome.
“Proposed fees reflect PSNI admin and operational costs, as well as inflation. The license fee could potentially rise from £98 to £250 (option 4), which is deemed by the Justice Minister as the fair and preferred option. Other categories will also be impacted, including Firearms Dealer Certificates which could increase from £300 to £764.”
“There are more than 54,000 licensed guns in Northern Ireland, and many of these will include shotguns and rifles legally held by farmers and landowners. Firearms are mainly used on farms for vermin control, livestock protection and the humane slaughter of fallen livestock.”
The MP added: “Farmers are already grappling with volatile farmgate prices, rising input costs, ill-thought-out government policy and ongoing global uncertainty. The last thing they need is to be hit with excessive firearms licensing fees, just for the privilege of holding a gun for use in the day-to-day running of their farm business.”
“The current proposals are not acceptable, especially in the current financial climate. Farmers cannot be exploited as a ‘cash cow’ to prop-up Stormont’s funding shortfall.
“Farmers deserve support, not increased bureaucracy and heightened charges for simply abiding by the law.”
Concluding, the MP said she is urging firearms license holders and dealers to complete the online Consultation which can be accessed via the Northern Ireland Government Citizen Space Website. The public Consultation closes on 29th May 2026.
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