Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many of his Department’s firearms were (a) lost and (b) stolen in each month in 2023.
Answer
The security of firearms is taken very seriously within the Ministry of Defence (MOD), and we have robust procedures in place to deter and prevent loss and theft. All losses and thefts of firearms and ammunition are fully and rigorously investigated.
The below table details firearm losses and thefts from MOD Facilities in 2023 under the previous Government. This includes military establishments, ranges, training areas and on operations.
2023
December | Glock 19 Pistol | 1 | Stolen |
August | Deactivated WWI German Machine Gun | 1[1] | Lost |
July | SA80 Rifle | 1[2] | Lost |
June | Deactivated WWII Luger Pistol | 1 | Lost |
June | Deactivated WWII Sten Gun SMG | 1 | Lost |
[1] Weapon subsequently found.
[2] Weapon subsequently found.