The move follows a coroner’s report which highlighted two loopholes in the licencing laws following the deaths of 45 year old Epsom College Headteacher Emma Pattison and seven-year-old daughter Lettie Pattison at the College in February 2023, at the hands of Emma’s husband George.
The coroner highlighted that George Pattison had a history of coercive behaviour and was able to secure medications on-line without reference to his primary GP.
Maguire has written to the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper arguing that any history of coercive behaviour needed to be fully disclosed to, and considered by, the gun licencing authorities during the application and renewal process.
She has also pressed Health Minister Wes Streeting to close the loophole which led George Pattison to obtain medication following an on-line consultation without it being reported to his primary GP whose role is to report concerns to the gun licencing authority.
Maguire has encouraged the minsters “to work closely together on the issues” and says in her letter to the Home Secretary,
“The devastating loss of Emma and Ellette Pattison underscores the urgent need to close any loopholes in the current system that could endanger public safety. I trust that you will give these matters the serious consideration they deserve and look forward to your response.”
