Statement on Statutory Independence and Impartiality

The London Proof House

The London Proof House issues this statement to clarify its statutory position and its impartiality toward all who use its services, following recent trade-press coverage of defence procurement and commercial manufacturing arrangements.

The London Proof House has not entered into, and does not enter into, any exclusive, preferential, or restrictive arrangement with any manufacturer, supplier, or defence contractor. Its statutory framework is set out below.



1. No exclusive arrangements

The London Proof House is operated by the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers, incorporated by Royal Charter in 1637, and carries out the statutory proof of small arms under the Gun Barrel Proof Acts. Those duties require the Proof House to remain open and available to every customer who submits arms for proof. It does not grant exclusive access, preferential treatment, or restrictive commercial terms to any customer or entity.



2. A customer's choice is not an institutional commitment

A manufacturer or contractor may, for its own operational or logistical reasons, choose to submit its arms only to London. That is a unilateral decision by that organisation. It carries no reciprocal commitment from the London Proof House and confers no exclusivity, priority, or advantage of any kind. Our duty to every other customer is unaffected.



3. Confidentiality of customer relationships

Proof work routinely involves sensitive designs, intellectual property, and procurement timelines. The London Proof House treats all customer relationships as confidential and will enter into formal non-disclosure agreements where appropriate. For the same reason, the Proof House does not publicly confirm, discuss, or characterise its work for any individual client, and characterisations of that work made by third parties should not be taken as representing the position of the London Proof House.



4. Equal service to all

The purpose of proof is public and operational safety: the independent stress-testing and certification of small arms to a single, common standard. That standard is applied identically to every firearm submitted, by every manufacturer, contractor, and trade customer alike. The statutory duties of the Proof House are independent of the outcome of any procurement programme or commercial tender.



The London Proof House remains ready to provide its testing, examination, and statutory certification services to any entity requiring proof within the United Kingdom.