Do Bodyguards Carry Guns in the UK? Armed Security Explained

Do bodyguards carry guns in the UK? No. Private bodyguards and close protection officers in the UK work unarmed. UK firearms law does not allow bodyguards to carry guns while protecting a client. In addition, an SIA close protection licence gives no right to carry any weapon. This article explains the law, the debate within the industry, and how unarmed close protection still keeps clients safe.

Why Clients Ask About Armed Security in the UK

Some clients enquire about the possibility of armed security UK wide for their protection. However. it’s also debated by UK security professionals about whether security operators should be allowed to carry a firearm in the UK whilst protecting their principal as a bodyguard.

What Does UK Firearms Law Say?

Currently only specialist police and military units can carry firearms in the UK. Moreover, those firearms being assault rifles and a pistol for Police Authorised Firearms Officers or soldiers from Military Special Forces and Special Operational Units. Plus we are seeing more police officers carry a taser, which requires completion of the four day police taser operator course.

The legal position is clear. Great Britain banned handguns in 1997. Furthermore, section 5 of the Firearms Act 1968 makes it an offence to possess a prohibited weapon without written authority. The government only grants it when a clear need exists, such as law enforcement. The same section also covers weapons designed to discharge a noxious liquid or gas, which rules out pepper spray. The courts treat stun guns and tasers the same way.

An SIA licence does not change this. The Security Industry Authority licenses bodyguards to protect people, not to carry weapons. As a result, no private bodyguard in the UK can lawfully carry a gun, a taser or CS spray for a client.

What If a Client Feels They Need More Protection?

From a potential clients perspective, the question that should be asked is the same as when any prospective client enquires about protection. Notably, whether it’s armed security UK wide or not. That being, why is it you feel you require personal protection, and furthermore, why do you feel that you need armed protection. Now for some clients it might be the norm for them to have armed security as they normally operate in countries such as South Africa:. witzerland. But for other clients, they may deem the risk towards themselves to be at such a level that armed security is required.

At that point, a full threat assessment is required to fully understand the risk. rather than the requirement being made on the client’s perception of risk. If that threat assessment deems that armed security is required in the UK. then the guidance needs to be that the potential client should phone the police and discuss their case. as security operators are not currently licensed to carry firearms in the UK. Or for some potential clients who do need armed security. but that are involved in serious organised crime and are requesting security, then the potential job is politely declined.

Should Bodyguards Carry Guns in the UK? The Industry Debate

The debate about security operators carrying a firearm as part of their protective duties, Notably, deploying as armed security UK wide is one that promotes discussion across a broad spectrum of reasoning.

Competency would be high on the list, as currently to become a bodyguard in the UK, you don’t need previous military or police experience. However, and the potential firearms familiarisation and use that may come with those roles. So essentially you could have armed security operators carry firearms who have little to no experience in weapons training or carriage.

Competency is one aspect, but even for the most experienced firearms user. Specifically, conducting armed security UK wide in a westernised country in the urban environment needs the most highly trained operator. It wouldn’t be appropriate for a security operator to complete a five day pistol awareness course, then be able to provide armed security in the UK.

For now, the law, not preference, decides whether bodyguards carry guns in the UK. The debate inside the industry, however, continues.

Could the UK Ever Allow Armed Bodyguards?

Potentially there could be a case for security operators from ex Police Authorised Firearms Officers or Military Special Forces and Special Operational Units. In fact, to carry in the UK once they’ve left their respective services. But then you’d create a two tier weapon carrying system in the UK which would be hard to manage. Plus you’d need to ensure that the operator was completing appropriate continuation and refresher training. Then it’s unlikely that the operator would be providing daily armed security UK wide. so the skill fade aspect of experience would start to effect their competency.

Realistically there is very little chance of security operators ever being able to carry firearms whilst providing protection to clients in the UK. Additionally, without a significant change to firearms laws and legislation in the UK. No matter what the background of the security operator is. However, in the past five years. we have seen job creep where security operators are taking on tasks that would traditionally have been conducted by the police. Such as public area policing in town centres to manage anti-social behaviour. Or patrols of higher net worth residential areas to reduce crime. So could that job creep at some point extend to a security company having operators that are licensed to carry firearms whilst protecting a certain level of principal. The new commercial security for UK MP’s for example.

A debate that is likely to continue for many years throughout the security industry.

How Unarmed Close Protection Keeps Clients Safe

So, if bodyguards cannot carry guns, how do they protect a client? The answer is planning. A good team avoids most threats long before anyone needs to react. For example, a professional team will assess the risk and plan routes. They also check venues in advance and keep the client away from crowds.

Good close protection officers also rely on awareness, communication and early action. They spot a problem early and move the client away from it. In addition, every SIA licensed officer must hold a Level 3 first aid qualification. In practice, this is often more useful than any weapon. Our guide to the close protection officer role explains the training in more detail.

Security and Safety Solutions is led by a Level 7 qualified security risk management professional with frontline close protection experience. Every assignment starts with a threat assessment, so the protection matches the real risk. To discuss your situation, see our bodyguard services in London or our security consultancy.

Armed Bodyguards UK: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hire an armed bodyguard in the UK?

No. No UK security company can legally supply an armed bodyguard. If a firm offers armed protection in the UK, treat that as a serious warning sign. Instead, choose a company that uses SIA licensed officers and starts with a proper threat assessment.

Can bodyguards carry guns abroad?

In some countries, yes. Local law decides. In parts of Africa, the Middle East and the Americas, licensed armed protection is common. However, a UK firm will normally work with a vetted, locally licensed partner rather than carry weapons itself.

Is a taser or pepper spray legal for close protection?

No. Section 5 of the Firearms Act 1968 lists both as prohibited weapons. Carrying either without authority is a serious criminal offence, even for a licensed close protection officer.

Who provides protection when the threat is severe?

Armed protection in the UK comes from the police. For example, specialist armed police officers protect the Royal Family, senior ministers and some visiting dignitaries. If you face a credible threat to your life, contact the police first.

What does close protection cost in the UK?

Day rates usually start at around £350 and can exceed £1,000, depending on risk, hours and location. Our bodyguard cost guide breaks down the figures.

Article written by Tom Richmond, Managing Director of Security and Safety Solutions

If this article has raised questions about your own security, find out more about our security consultancy or our residential security services, read our guide on how to hire a bodyguard in the UK, or get in touch to discuss your requirements directly.