Number of guns seized at UK ports is lowest since Border Force was created

THE number of guns seized at British ports is the lowest since Border Force was created, damning new stats show.

Officers at the nation’s ports found just 266 deadly firearms last year – the lowest figure in since the specialist agency was created.

That compares to 283 in 2021, and the average of 707 over the last nine years.

When including gun parts and imitations Border Force made 1,371 seizures last year – the lowest total on record.

Earlier this year we revealed violent criminals exploited a loophole in EU gun laws to buy deactivated Soviet-era weapons for use in gang wars in Britain

Pistols and submachine guns converted for sports shooting to fire non-lethal pellets were bought over the counter in Slovakia and the Czech Republic and then smuggled into the UK usually in cars.

Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, said: “Without proper border checks for guns and dangerous weapons, the Government is playing into the hands of serious and organised criminals and increasing the chance of violence on Britain’s streets.

“Ministers have been warned repeatedly by the independent Borders Inspector and their own independent reviewer that there are serious problems over inadequate weapons checks.

“Ministers need to urgently get a grip.”

Border Force said they also seized 1,105 non-lethal firearms and 6,374 knives and other offensive weapons last year.

They said they changed the way they recorded items, with ‘parts of guns’ classified as “non-lethal” in March 2021 which explains the drop in finds.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “Thanks to the work of our Border Force, hundreds of firearms and parts of firearms have been prevented from reaching our border and entering our country.

“Border security is our priority and we will always ensure Border Force focus on the highest harm threats.”