A loophole allowing violent partners to apply for guns has been slammed by a Barnsley MP.
Michael Dugher MP, who represents Barnsley East, has criticised the government following a recent vote that means people with a history of domestic violence can keep applying for firearms licences.
As the law stands, the police has a duty to consider the background of an applicant for a firearms licence, however, Mr Dugher says this has failed to stop people with a history of domestic violence from getting a firearms licence.
The Barnsley MP says he is backing tough new action in September when parliament returns and he intends to vote for a proposal to help stop violence against women.
It comes after the government rejected a Labour amendment to the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill that would have allowed police to refuse gun licences for people with a history of domestic violence.
The amendment would also have meant people with a history of violent conduct, drug and alcohol abuse were also unable to receive a gun licence.
Michael said: "When two women a week are killed by a husband, partner or ex it is simply shocking the government has so far refused to support the idea that in general people with a history of domestic violence should be refused a firearms licence."
Mr Dugher said gun licences should only be awarded to people the police have 'the very highest confidence in', and a history of domestic violence should be a clear marker someone is unsuitable for gun ownership.
He said: "Members of the public will be shocked the government is refusing to do more to stop violence against women, and is happy to let violent and abusive individuals have access to dangerous weapons.
"Campaigners and families of victims that have been killed by guns have been clear a change in the law is needed and Labour tried to work with the government to tighten the law to stop senseless attacks and violence in the future.
"It is extremely disappointing the government voted against these measures, but we will be doing more to push for a much needed change."
In England and Wales one in three women killed by their partner is shot with a legally-owned weapon - and 64 per cent of these murders involve shotguns.
In the last 12 months 75 per cent of female gun deaths occurred in domestic incidents. In 2009 the figure was 100 per cent.
