Government plans crossbow ban after Bushey attack prompts review
A new licensing scheme is being proposed for existing owners to prevent misuse of weapons
The Government has announced plans to prohibit the sale of crossbows and hunting arrows, introducing a licensing scheme for current owners in response to recent violent incidents involving these weapons.
Without a registration system, crossbows can be readily purchased online, posing a risk highlighted by several high-profile attacks.
This follows multiple tragedies, including the murder of John Hunt’s wife and daughters in Bushey, Hertfordshire, in July 2024, by Kyle Clifford, who is serving a whole-life sentence.
The Government has expressed concern over how easily crossbows are accessed and is consulting on strategies to implement further restrictions.
The Home Office cited the Bushey incident, a similar attack in Headingley, and other cases as evidence for the need for stronger controls.
The licensing scheme would require existing owners to apply for a license, subject to suitability checks, while new sales would be banned.
Laura Sugden, whose partner Shane Gilmer was killed in a crossbow attack in 2018, welcomed the proposed changes, hoping they’ll be named "Shane's Law."
“Shane lost his life because of a system that failed to recognise the risks,” Sugden said, aiming for the legislation to prevent similar tragedies.
Further incidents such as the attempted assassination of the late Queen with a crossbow have underscored this necessity for legal reform.
Government spokespersons stressed the priority of public safety, though the timeline for these rules remains unspecified.
“Crossbows are powerful and deadly weapons, and recent tragedies have shown the devastating harm they can inflict when they are misused. Our priority is keeping people safe,” they stated.