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Fireworks: Sale and Use
08 November 2021
Lead MP
Elliot Colburn
Responding Minister
Paul Scully
Tags
NHSEconomyClimateAgriculture & Rural AffairsMental HealthLocal Government
Word Count: 13865
Other Contributors: 17
At a Glance
Elliot Colburn raised concerns about fireworks: sale and use in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
I urge the Government to consider undertaking a public consultation to better understand public opinion on restricting the sale and use of fireworks. This would allow a full analysis of responses that could inform future policy decisions. I urge the UK Government to devolve powers or take action to tackle this problem, as legislation remains within their hands despite Scottish Government consultations indicating otherwise. The hon. Member urges the Minister to ban the sale of fireworks to ordinary members of the public and instead support properly licensed public displays to prevent misuse and protect the public and emergency services.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
I am concerned about the significant public interest in limiting the sale and use of fireworks, as demonstrated by over 301,610 signatures on e-petition 319891. The petition highlights distress caused to vulnerable groups including pets, people with autism, and veterans suffering from PTSD due to unexpected firework noise and pollution. My constituents' survey showed that 88% agreed fireworks should be banned except for licensed displays, and 75% of respondents were not looking forward to bonfire night. I am concerned about the ongoing problem of fireworks that lasts for weeks, leading to incidents such as early morning disturbances and children lighting and throwing fireworks during the day. Incidents include a firework landing close to a child in a pram and residents reporting multiple times to the police due to these issues. Residents are terrified, with some considering leaving their homes to avoid distressing situations. A constituent asked why we are adding fuel to the climate change issue senselessly. Another resident described the last two weeks as terrifying after moving into an area with frequent firework incidents. The hon. Member is concerned about the misuse of fireworks, which leads to injuries in the NHS, particularly affecting children with autism or other mental health conditions. She also mentions personal experience where she was targeted by young people throwing fireworks while cycling home from Parliament, highlighting the need for legislation.
Alan Whitehead
Lab
Southampton, Test
The debate has seen unanimity that fireworks should not be banned but the status quo is unacceptable. There are gaps in evidence regarding firework effects on animals, children, people with PTSD, wildlife, and climate. A recent display near his constituency was extremely noisy and inappropriate. The MP asks the Minister to disclose where the report mentioned last year is and what actions will be taken based on it.
Pontypridd
The MP highlighted the distress and danger caused by fireworks to newborn babies, pets, veterans, those with PTSD, autism, and vulnerable individuals. They mentioned a petition signed by 584 constituents in Pontypridd and cited statistics on firework-related injuries and antisocial behaviour.
Noted concerns about misleading marketing of reduced-noise fireworks that may actually be louder than advertised and suggested the need for more regulation on this matter.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
He cited statistics from the Blue Cross showing that 70% of pets are affected by fireworks, with dogs at 64%, cats at 42%, and horses at 17%. He highlighted issues such as trembling, fear, physical sickness, hiding for hours or days, and even rehoming animals in severe cases. Jim Shannon supported the need to regulate fireworks more effectively through shorter availability periods and tighter legislation on who can purchase and use them. Asked for an intervention but no details provided. Asked if the legislation in Northern Ireland, which requires licences to purchase fireworks and controls their sale, should be an example for England. Shannon asks if the Minister has discussed Northern Ireland's legislation with responsible Ministers there, noting exceptional circumstances but appreciating some control over fireworks misuse.
Justin Madders
Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Madders is concerned about the increase in noise and power of modern fireworks, which can cause significant distress to people with PTSD and animals. He cites an incident where a constituent's dog was killed after jumping out of a window due to firework fright. Madders suggests legislating for quieter fireworks or restricting their use to public displays.
Kirsten Oswald
SNP
Dumfries and Galloway
Constituents approached her about the debate, expressing concerns over fireworks causing distress to individuals with autism and military veterans due to post-traumatic stress disorder.
Marco Longhi
Con
Saffron Walden
I opened a public survey that received over 100,000 returns and was shocked by the overwhelmingly negative feedback about fireworks. The trauma to pets and livestock is acknowledged, along with the impact on veterans suffering from PTSD. I propose considering Australian legislation where it is illegal for someone to buy or possess fireworks without a licence. Authorities must be notified of all displays and they should consider location when granting licences and ensure publicising events well in advance.
Mike Amesbury
Lab
Chesterfield
Acknowledged the efforts of Richard Smith from his constituency, a veteran who has served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Northern Ireland. Emphasised that while the debate is welcome, action from Ministers is necessary.
Naseem Shah
Lab
Bradford West
He discussed his campaign with Bradford 4 Better regarding antisocial behaviour around fireworks. He cited a review by the local council which suggested more legislation was needed, but did not call for an outright ban. Naseem Shah highlighted distressing incidents including a Shetland pony that strangled itself and residents on his street being frightened by late-night fireworks. The MP expresses concern about the lack of requirements in legislation for sellers to be fit and proper individuals compared to alcohol and cigarette sales.
Patricia Gibson
SNP
North Ayrshire and Arran
Ms Gibson expressed concern over the misuse of fireworks, highlighting their impact on communities, pets, veterans with PTSD, and children. She called for restrictions on the sale of fireworks to licensed community displays only, noting that existing regulations do not prevent irresponsible use. I ask the Minister if he believes that the current highly regulated area is fit for purpose, given raised concerns, and inquire what more can be done. Gibson reiterates her earlier point and seeks support for devolving power to regulate fireworks to the Scottish Parliament due to a lack of action from the UK Government.
Gibson supports the debate and acknowledges the importance of celebrating Guy Fawkes Night responsibly while addressing concerns about pets and people with health conditions. He notes that illegal fireworks continue to be a problem, purchased online or on the black market.
Called for an outright ban on retail sale of fireworks, supporting licensed public displays instead. He cited statistics on injuries, antisocial behaviour incidents, and animal distress due to fireworks, emphasizing the need for organised displays to appreciate the beauty of fireworks safely. Hollobone questions the lack of legal recourse for loud fireworks, comparing them to noise pollution laws and stating that current measures are socially acceptable.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Maskell highlights the ineffectiveness of the Act, pointing out that young people misuse fireworks and puts forward a case for proper enforcement measures.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
Highlighted regional issues such as arson and vehicle fires being prevalent in his constituency, indicating that the effects of fireworks extend beyond animal welfare to include road safety, antisocial behaviour, and criminal activities.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
Mr Moore discussed the year-round misuse of fireworks in his constituency, emphasizing their role in antisocial behaviour, littering, and harm to animals. He condemned the targeting of Keighley fire brigade with fireworks and called for stricter regulations on fireworks sales, suggesting that they should only be used at licensed events by licence holders. Moore mentions recent instances of misuse of fireworks and urges for tighter licensing provisions to prevent such incidents.
Sarah Owen
Lab
Luton North
Ms Owen highlighted the distress caused by excessive fireworks, citing a resident's account of their child being terrified and suffering from disrupted sleep. She noted that over 300,000 people have signed a petition to address the issue. Owen also expressed concern about the misuse of fireworks for causing nuisance rather than celebration, as evidenced by names like 'Rain of Terror' and 'All Out War'. She called for stricter measures including fines and reduced production of loud fireworks. Owen asks if the Minister is willing to meet with her to discuss measures outlined in her private Member's Bill, given that current restrictions are failing people.
Intervened to praise the work of organisations like RSPCA and Dogs Trust for providing advice to pet owners about safeguarding their pets from fireworks.
Government Response
Paul Scully
Government Response
The Government congratulates Elliot Colburn for securing the debate on fireworks, which has received over 300,000 signatures. The minister acknowledges concerns about public safety, vulnerable groups, and animals but believes that an outright ban is not appropriate due to potential black market emergence and economic impact on retailers. Current legislation sets a curfew at 11 pm for firework use with exceptions during Diwali, New Year's Eve, Chinese New Year and Guy Fawkes Night. The Government supports the safe and considerate use of fireworks through public awareness campaigns and partnerships with animal welfare organizations. There is a noise limit on consumer fireworks set to 120 dB. A study on the decibel level of commonly used fireworks has been delayed due to COVID but will be published soon. Local authorities have powers to enforce against illegal sales and usage. The Government aims to recruit an additional 20,000 police officers by March 2023 to support local communities. Officials engage regularly with their counterparts in Scotland regarding the proposed Bill on fireworks. The minister welcomes suggestions for improving public safety.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.