Fireworks: Sale and Use

He highlighted a petition with 1.1 million signatures advocating for quieter fireworks to be designed and produced.

McIntyre highlighted the concerns of constituents regarding the impact of fireworks on pet and wild animal safety, individuals with PTSD or respiratory conditions, and people with autism or Down's syndrome. He mentioned crimes involving fireworks in Gloucester and the strain placed on emergency services during bonfire night weekend. McIntyre also discussed the need for thoughtful legislation to balance enjoyment while protecting others from negative impacts.

Expressed concern about the challenges created by unlicensed explosives in autumn months, supporting tighter regulations on fireworks. Emphasised that a ban should not be dismissed as an option but also acknowledged the need to balance restrictions with public enjoyment.

Thanked the hon. Gentleman for introducing the debate and highlighted concerns about antisocial fireworks raised by constituents in Shipley. Noted that under the previous Labour Government, the Fireworks Act 2003 and Regulations 2004 were introduced to restrict antisocial use of fireworks but there has been little action since then.

Ms Eccles highlighted the year-round use of fireworks, causing significant injury and fear to people and animals. She cited incidents where pets like dogs and cats are severely traumatised by fireworks noise. Fireworks also lead to environmental impacts such as stress for wildlife and injuries to horses and livestock. Additionally, she pointed out that irresponsible firework usage results in numerous NHS admissions for burns and limb loss.

Christine Jardine expressed concern about the impact of fireworks on animals, including a red panda cub at Edinburgh Zoo and pets in general. She cited statistics from the Kennel Club indicating that around 80% of dog owners notice their pets suffering stress caused by fireworks. Jardine also mentioned approximately 2,000 people visiting accident and emergency departments annually due to firework-related injuries.

The MP expressed concerns about the distress caused by fireworks to pets, wild animals, people with PTSD, and children with SEND. He highlighted that under current legislation, there is no requirement for a licence or training to use consumer fireworks, leading to unpredictable and late-night displays.

Fireworks have both positive and negative impacts, including concerns about animal welfare and community disruption. The current regulatory framework needs to balance enjoyment with safety, but enforcement is also a critical issue as existing rules are often broken without consequence. There should be consideration of how regulations can be enforced more effectively.

My hon. Friend is right that those who use fireworks responsibly would be little concerned about a reduction in the noise level.

Mr. Richards suggested setting aside weekends for enjoying fireworks in local villages within his constituency while the rest of the month could be firework-free to cater to those who do not enjoy them.

Apologises for not being able to stay till the end of the debate due to a parliamentary Labour party meeting. Supports the Fireworks Bill promoted by Sarah Owen and highlights concerns about loud fireworks, their availability from unlicensed vendors, and antisocial use. Advocates for restricting sales to licensed shops, lowering noise limits, and removing certain types of fireworks from sale.

Expressed concern about the impact of fireworks on animals, specifically mentioning a constituent whose dogs had been left in distress due to random firework usage. Suggested that better public education is crucial for changing behaviours and reducing the negative impacts on people's health and animal welfare.

Bonfire night brings joy but also misery to many communities due to the misuse of fireworks. The deaths of red pandas at Edinburgh Zoo were attributed to fireworks, highlighting the need for better regulation. Councils cancelling public displays without explanation does not help, and devolved powers in Scotland have failed to prevent harm. The licensing system has been postponed until 2026, and firework control zones have been poorly implemented, causing misery to constituents.

Fireworks can cause distress to people with PTSD and trauma, pets, farm animals, and even lead to fatalities among horses. There have been 98 horse injuries and 20 fatalities over the last 13 years. The misuse of fireworks also results in injuries and exacerbates stress and anxiety. Mr. Lamont agreed with Ms. Jarvis that in Scotland, the issue is about resources. He mentioned concerns from local authorities and police regarding their ability to enforce firework-related rules effectively due to a lack of funding.

Ms Lopez discussed the polarising debate around fireworks, highlighting both concerns from animal lovers and supporters of bonfire night traditions. She shared a tragic story about Josephine Smith's death due to an arson attack involving fireworks, calling for a more robust regulatory framework to prevent similar incidents.

The MP supported the idea of addressing antisocial behaviour caused by late-night fireworks. She agreed that reducing decibel limits could increase accessibility for people while decreasing the negative impacts on those affected, such as a constituent woken at 3 am.

She highlighted the high number of signatures from her constituency, Hazel Grove, reflecting strong constituent concerns. She shared personal experience with her rescue dog's fear of fireworks and the distress it causes pets and wildlife during extended periods of firework use. She noted difficulties in enforcing current regulations and suggested adopting Australian-style legislation to balance cultural significance with safety and welfare.

Ms. Jarvis highlighted the distress caused by fireworks to people living with PTSD, dementia or other vulnerabilities and pets. She cited a Blue Cross study showing that 70% of pets are affected by fireworks, often trembling in fear or becoming physically ill. She called for stricter noise limits on F2 and F3 fireworks sold privately and urged the Government to review the legislation governing the use and sale of fireworks.

While enjoying fireworks personally, the MP recognises their harmful impact on communities. The petition calls for a ban on public sales of fireworks, which might be reconsidered in light of stories about misuse and harm to animals and humans. Alternatives like limiting sale days or promoting quieter options could balance enjoyment with safety.

The hon. Member agrees that better education is critical, but also advocates for tougher licensing provisions and more enforcement resources.

Mr Hurley expressed support for regulating firework sales to protect vulnerable groups and animals. He noted that the current regulations allow unlicensed traders to sell category F2 and F3 fireworks, leading to a month-long period of widespread displays which disproportionately affects veterans with PTSD and pets experiencing distress. He highlighted 113 firework-related injuries reported by NHS England in 2023-24, many occurring at family events due to the availability of most fireworks.

Ms. Cadbury highlighted the continuous use of fireworks in her constituency during various festivals, noting incidents such as children playing with dangerous explosives and late-night disturbances affecting shift workers and animals. She cited concerns about outdated legislation allowing unlicensed sales for certain religious occasions and advocated for a more inclusive approach to firework regulation. The speaker questioned the British Fireworks Association's briefing for underplaying the damage caused by fireworks, highlighting the fear, terror, and trauma experienced by both animals and people.

The Member thanked the hon. Member for Keighley and Ilkley for introducing the debate, expressing concern about the impact of fireworks on pets like her own dog Rhea, who is terrified by them. She shared a personal experience involving her pet's fear-induced disappearance during firework season, highlighting the distress caused to animals. Gibson also expressed support for measures that would limit disruption from fireworks and mentioned the need for education in the community regarding firework safety.

The hon. Member introduced a private Member's Bill to tackle the misuse of fireworks and supports stronger regulations and enforcement measures. Ms Owen expressed concern about the lack of action on fireworks regulations despite annual debates. She noted that current licensing laws allow unlicensed sellers to sell fireworks during festive periods, leading to unpredictable and chaotic use throughout the year. The issue affects people with PTSD, young children, and animals, causing distress and safety concerns. Six fixed penalty notices in three years indicate enforcement difficulties. Questioned the logic of loosening licensing laws for sellers, suggesting it could lead to unregulated sales during peak times.

The MP described incidents of antisocial behaviour involving fireworks in Edinburgh, including injuries to police officers and disruption of public services. He stressed the need for more resources to tackle the import and sale of fireworks and called for tighter controls on their use. Asked the Minister for a commitment to publish analysis on a campaign's effectiveness and suggested going further if it did not work.

She expressed enthusiasm for the joy and wonder of fireworks while also highlighting their potential dangers, citing cases of pet distress, PTSD triggers for veterans, and child injuries. More than 550 children were taken to A&E around bonfire night in 2021 due to firework-related incidents. She called for legislative changes such as restricting sales to licensed shops, limiting use to specific celebrations, reducing noise levels, enforcing stricter retailer checks, and increasing price thresholds.

He shared concerns about the impact of fireworks on vulnerable groups such as children and pets. He mentioned that Slough has 18 firework-related events per 10 square miles, which is the highest in the UK, and suggested that centrally-held events are safer and less impactful on local environments.

Mr. Morrison thanked constituents who have signed petitions and contacted him about fireworks in Cheadle, highlighting the popularity of firework displays but also concerns over antisocial behaviour. He pointed out that cuts to youth services and police spending had led to more such incidents during peak times like before Christmas. Mr. Morrison shared cases involving residents Stephanie, Di, and others with mental health issues affected by illegal fireworks use.

Suggests reducing the noise level of fireworks to 90 dB, enforcing rules on timing and increasing the age limit for firework sales. Proposes these measures could allow families to enjoy fireworks while ensuring safety.

Mr. Ahmed discussed adverse experiences in Glasgow South West due to over-the-counter fireworks, including injuries and fires. He mentioned a local byelaw using a firework control zone that was not implemented on time. The area faced loud, intrusive fireworks set off on roads and pavements, from inside cars, and everywhere else during the weeks around bonfire night. In 2023, 40 police officers across Glasgow were injured in firework-related incidents. Mr. Ahmed also noted the impact of fireworks on mental health, particularly for veterans with PTSD.