Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Disposable Barbecues

30 March 2022 · 3 other contributors · 4,284 words

Opened by Holly Lynch Lab Halifax

Responding minister: Victoria Prentis

Community SecurityEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Holly Lynch raised concerns about disposable barbecues in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service attended 75 wildfires this year, including a Marsden moor fire that needed six fire crews.
  • Hundreds of smaller incidents have caused significant damage to moorland habitats.
  • Moorland fires undermine natural flood management in areas like Calderdale.

Key requests to Government

I ask the Government to introduce robust measures that will protect our countryside by banning the sale of disposable barbecues. This ban would have an immediate transformative effect in safeguarding moorland and communities from the devastating impacts of wildfires.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Holly Lynch Lab Halifax

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has already attended 75 wildfires this year, including fires at Marsden moor that required six fire crews to battle. Hundreds of smaller incidents have also occurred, causing significant damage to moorland habitats. Moorland fires undermine natural flood management in areas like Calderdale, which is crucial for flood risk management and climate change mitigation. The fires also strain emergency services and can cause substantial financial burdens on councils and the fire service.

Other contributors (3)
  • Hannah Bardell SNP Dunfermline and West Fife

    Before calling the next speaker, Hannah Bardell informed Members that a vote was scheduled at 5:10 pm, suggesting they consider timing their contributions accordingly to avoid interruptions.

  • Mike Amesbury Lab Wirral South

    He praised the work on disposable barbecues by other MPs and highlighted the environmental impact of such fires. He mentioned that between 2019 and 2020, there were 240 accidental fires caused by disposable barbecues. Amesbury welcomed actions taken by retailers to stop selling instant barbecues but argued for greater intervention from the Government.

  • Robbie Moore Con Keighley and Ilkley

    Mr. Moore highlighted the environmental impact of disposable barbecues, particularly on moors such as Ilkley Moor in West Yorkshire, where wildfires caused by these devices have led to significant damage to vegetation, fauna, and wildlife habitats. He cited several instances, including a recent incident attended by the West Yorkshire Fire Brigade due to a discarded barbecue. Moore also acknowledged the efforts of supermarkets like Waitrose and Aldi that banned disposable barbecues, as well as local campaigns such as 'Be Moor Aware'. He proposed extending the ban on disposable barbecues beyond local areas at a national level.

Government Response

Victoria Prentis

It is lovely to serve under you in the Chair, Ms Bardell. I thank the hon. Member for Halifax (Holly Lynch) for securing the debate and echo her appreciation for our fire and rescue services. Visiting Ollerbrook farm with my hon. Friend the Member for High Peak highlighted the impact of wildfires on local wildlife and farmers. Disposable barbecues do not inherently pose a wildfire risk, but when left unattended or used recklessly, they can cause significant issues. The Home Office data suggests that about 4% of accidental primary fires are linked to barbecue use, though it does not differentiate between types of barbecues. Anecdotal evidence points to disposable barbecues being responsible for many serious incidents. I am announcing research to examine the role of barbecues and other flammable items in wildfire incidents. Where there is evidence that disposable barbecues pose a significant local risk, Members should urge their local authorities to restrict their use under bylaws or public spaces protection orders. We are also working with landowners to make landscapes more resilient to wildfires through training programmes. The New Forest and Peak District national park authorities have banned disposable barbecues within their boundaries.

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