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Sale of Fireworks
19 January 2026
Lead MP
Robbie Moore
Keighley and Ilkley
Con
Responding Minister
Kate Dearden
Tags
Crime & Law EnforcementTaxation
Word Count: 27886
Other Contributors: 54
At a Glance
Robbie Moore raised concerns about sale of fireworks in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government must do more to regulate and control the amount of fireworks used throughout the year and address the antisocial use of fireworks during the night and early in the morning, which causes disruption for those trying to sleep.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The petitions have received more than 376,000 signatures. In Robbie's constituency, fireworks led to the tragic death of a family’s foal named King, who was found impaled on farm machinery after being terrified by fireworks. He also highlighted that many animals are sensitive to sound and can be severely impacted by fireworks.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Emphasized that the use of fireworks in the middle of the night is clearly antisocial behaviour and more must be done to tackle it.
Alex Ballinger
Lab
Halesowen
Asked Robbie Moore about his concern for the impact on animals due to excessive fireworks around fireworks night and agreed that the Government must do more to regulate and control the amount of fireworks used throughout the year.
Alex Mayer
Lab
Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard
Suggests that it should be clear to constituents who is responsible for complaints about fireworks, calling for easier reporting mechanisms.
Alice Macdonald
Lab/Co-op
Norwich North
She highlights the insufficient protection provided by the Animal Welfare Act 2006 regarding fireworks, and urges for measures such as reducing decibel levels to ensure better animal welfare.
Amanda Hack
Lab
North West Leicestershire
More than 650 constituents in North West Leicestershire have signed petitions about the need for further regulation of fireworks. The current laws do not go far enough to protect animals, veterans, and vulnerable people from firework-related distress and harm.
Anna Dixon
Lab
Shipley
Over 1,000 Shipley constituents signed a petition supporting stricter limits on fireworks noise levels and more enforcement of existing laws to combat antisocial use. She noted the previous Labour Government's regulations from 2004 but called for further action.
Baggy Shanker
Lab/Co-op
Derby South
Brave Derby veterans have contacted him about the negative effects of fireworks on their mental health. He agrees that these individuals deserve support and consideration.
Clapham and Brixton Hill
Shares personal experiences of fireworks being thrown at people and reports from constituents. Raises concerns about the lack of police response to such incidents and the impact of budget cuts on local council firework displays.
Cat Eccles
Lab
Stourbridge
Supports reducing firework noise and limiting sales; proposes a ban similar to the Netherlands where fireworks are illegal due to deaths and injuries. Emphasizes the impact on pets, livestock, and the NHS.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
The hon. Member acknowledges the joy fireworks bring but also highlights the need for stricter regulations due to misuse and antisocial behaviour, proposing a review of current laws based on evidence.
Southend West and Leigh
Over 300 people in his constituency have contacted him about the issue, including concerns over safety due to fireworks causing house fires.
David Smith
Lab
North Northumberland
Suggested that reducing decibels is the most effective way of dealing with the problem, allowing people to let off fireworks when they want as long as sound levels are reduced.
West Dunbartonshire
Describes horrific effects on animals and unacceptable criminal conduct in his constituency, urging the SNP Scottish Government to deliver legislative protections.
Arthur
Lab
Cambridge
Asked for an evaluation of the public campaign launched by the Minister, expressing frustration over a lack of timeline for action.
Winchester
As a veterinary surgeon, he reiterated that every vet dreads being on call on fireworks night because they know they will be busy treating animals affected by fireworks.
Neil Hudson
Con
Epping Forest
Discussed the negative impact of fireworks on animal welfare, including pets and farm animals, and emphasized the need for action to keep people and animals safe from fireworks.
Scott Arthur
Lab
Edinburgh South West
In 2024, Edinburgh faced disorder fuelled by easy access to fireworks. The police confiscated £42,000 worth of fireworks intended for street sales. Firework control zones were set up but lack enforcement due to inadequate resources.
Gideon Amos
LD
Taunton and Wellington
Suggested reducing noise levels from 120 dB to at most 90 dB and limiting the sale and duration of fireworks. He also warned about the risks of uncontrolled private displays, citing a near-disaster incident in Taunton.
Gordon McKee
Lab
Glasgow South
Acknowledged that council-approved, community-organised events bring people together and minimise disruption to neighbours and communities.
James Naish
Lab
Rushcliffe
Highlighted the significant number of petitions regarding fireworks, suggesting it is relatively easy to address compared to other issues. He supported Anna Dixon's call for action.
Jim Dickson
Lab
Dartford
He supports reducing the maximum noise level and restricting dates when fireworks can be purchased; he mentions that pets are hugely traumatised by loud fireworks.
John Lamont
Con
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Praised his constituent Julie McMillan for raising concerns about fireworks every year and urged caution on the Scottish Government's new licensing regime which has had to be paused.
Jon Pearce
Lab
High Peak
He thanked his constituent Robert Branch who started one of the petitions and discussed how important these issues are to local people in High Peak.
Jonathan Brash
Lab
Hartlepool
Highlights widespread concern in his constituency, with 361 petition signatures calling for limited firework sales and 227 for lower noise levels. Describes ongoing distress caused by fireworks to children, elderly residents, pets, veterans, and others.
Juliet Campbell
Lab
Broxtowe
She highlighted concerns from residents, pet owners, farmers, veterans, and people with PTSD due to loud noise from fireworks. She also mentioned incidents of injuries caused by misfired rockets and children being shot at.
Justin Madders
Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Advocates for reducing decibel levels from 120 dB as a straightforward change that would reduce noise without harming manufacturers or display quality.
Kate Dearden
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
Acknowledged the need for enforcement and discussed current legislation on retailers storing and selling fireworks, emphasising the role of local trading standards and fire authorities. Acknowledged urgency and willingness to work with colleagues on next steps, continuing evidence gathering and collaboration with devolved Administrations. Provided clarification on her availability to meet petitioners and colleagues to discuss the issue.
Kirsteen Sullivan
Lab/Co-op
Bathgate and Linlithgow
Fire chiefs and police officers reported insufficient funding to enforce firework control zones, highlighting the need for better resourcing and planning in enforcement efforts. Details the efforts made by the Blackburn bonfire night action group in addressing illegal firework sales and reducing antisocial behaviour, resulting in improved public safety and community engagement. Asked the Minister to engage directly with communities affected by antisocial behaviour caused by fireworks.
Aylesbury
Acknowledges the impact of fireworks on animals through surveys and reports, while supporting responsible celebration. Proposes balancing safety and welfare with celebration by gathering evidence and implementing more action based on clear findings.
Lee Pitcher
Lab
Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme
Highlights the impact of loud fireworks on livestock and small businesses, urging consideration of the business case as well as safety.
Agrees with reviewing decibel levels but is conflicted about banning private celebrations. Proposes limiting firework displays to key celebrations throughout the year.
Mark Sewards
Lab
Leeds South West and Morley
My constituents report that both the volume and frequency of firework use have increased, negatively impacting lives. A constituent with autism reported sleepless nights due to fireworks, while a veteran shared how fireworks trigger memories of combat.
Martin Rhodes
Lab
Glasgow North
Asked about prioritising the welfare, safety, and wellbeing of communities, people, and animals in any policy changes.
Calvin Bailey
Lab
Leyton and Wanstead
He recounts an incident where a mother was chased down by children firing fireworks; he agrees that stronger restrictions are necessary for such situations.
Gagan Mohindra
Con
South West Hertfordshire
Reflects the concerns of his constituents about the imbalance between enjoyment and disruption caused by fireworks, focusing on harm to pets, livestock, and individuals with mental health issues.
Elsie Blundell
Lab
Heywood and Middleton North
More than 650 constituents signed a petition about the impact of fireworks on communities, including noise levels affecting veterans with PTSD, families, pets, wildlife. She also highlighted the need for stronger enforcement against misuse by minors.
Erith and Thamesmead
Discussed concerns raised by constituents regarding the impact of fireworks on mental health, as well as their effect on animals.
Julie Minns
Lab
Carlisle
Ms Minns mentioned a constituent named Jessica whose father had a near panic attack due to fireworks noise, and another friend who served in multiple tours of Iraq and Afghanistan. She emphasized the need for measures that balance enjoyment with mitigating trauma experienced by people and animals.
Glasgow West
Highlights the unpredictability of backyard displays and their impact on vulnerable groups, advocating for city-wide control zones to tackle noise effectively. Agrees with the complexity of implementing a licensing scheme but argues it would not work due to cost. She supports measures like organised displays for public safety and animal welfare.
Paul Waugh
Lab/Co-op
Rochdale
Highlights that 1,000 Rochdale residents support limiting firework sales to approved events; discusses distressing impacts on dogs, horses, and livestock. Advocates for stronger regulations.
Perran Moon
Lab
Camborne and Redruth
He points out that the impact of loud fireworks on wildlife is also significant and needs consideration despite being harder to demonstrate due to lack of data.
Peter Swallow
Lab
Bracknell
He suggests more regulation around the timing and volume of fireworks, allowing enjoyment while considering those affected by loud noises such as veterans and pet owners.
Phil Brickell
Lab
Bolton West
Mr Brickell shared an example of how fireworks negatively impacted his constituent’s horses, causing them physical distress. He stressed the need for stronger legislation to protect individuals and animals from irresponsible firework use.
Robbie Moore
Lab
Weaver Vale
Asked what actions the Government will take in response to the petitions. Inquired about discussions with DEFRA colleagues on the animal welfare strategy and its coverage of fireworks issues. Thanked Helen Whitelegg, Robert Branch for their petitions with 376,000 signatures and acknowledged the impact of fireworks on animals, veterans, and other vulnerable groups.
Ruth Jones
Lab
Newport West and Islwyn
Over the last year, Ruth Jones received widespread correspondence from residents about concerns over fireworks. The petitions have clear asks to reduce maximum noise of consumer fireworks and limit sales to licensed events backed by 65% of the public. Pressed the Minister for a timeline to address fireworks regulation before November.
Samantha Niblett
Lab
South Derbyshire
She has received correspondence from constituents concerned about neurodiverse individuals, people with mental health issues, veterans with PTSD, and animal owners. She suggests alternatives to loud fireworks that do not cause distress.
Sarah Dyke
LD
Glastonbury and Somerton
In Glastonbury and Somerton, there is a negative impact on animals such as pets and livestock due to the noise from fireworks. Cows have escaped in panic after hearing fireworks and a horse died after bolting because of them. Discussed alternatives to traditional fireworks such as drone light shows and endorsed a noise limit of below 90 dB for fireworks to reduce harmful impacts on communities.
Sarah Edwards
Lab
Tamworth
Agrees with Lizzi Collinge's proposal and suggests considering silent or reduced decibel fireworks.
Sarah Hall
Lab/Co-op
Warrington South
Describes the negative impacts of fireworks on pets, wildlife, children with disabilities, and veterans. Highlights the need for stricter regulations to make firework usage safer and more predictable.
Sarah Olney
LD
Richmond Park
Acknowledged the strong feeling among constituents regarding fireworks and shared personal experiences as a parent. Discussed impacts on pets, farm animals, livestock, zoo animals, and concerns about physical dangers like fire hazards from dumped fireworks.
Sarah Owen
Lab
Luton North
Ms Owen highlighted the impact of fireworks on mental health, wildlife, pets, rural areas, children, and veterans. She noted cross-party consensus that current laws are not fit for purpose and proposed lowering decibel limits to 90 dB. Suggested resource limitations for police and councils in handling nuisance fireworks, promoting Luton's app initiative as an example of best practice.
Torbay
Called for firework-free zones and acknowledged the impact on guide dogs and local councillor activities. Supported calls for community-organised events and public displays.
Tom Hayes
Lab
Bournemouth East
Mr. Hayes highlighted constituents' concerns about excessive noise from fireworks and their impact on animals, such as Sandra's experiences likening evenings to a warzone and Carl’s cat Chester suffering significantly during displays.
Warinder Juss
Lab
Wolverhampton West
His constituents have raised issues about illegal use of fireworks, including disturbances at midnight or early morning, and supports the petition's request to reduce noise levels. Supports the idea of limiting fireworks to specific times, noting that they are becoming prevalent throughout the year. A constituent's dog is terrified by fireworks, highlighting the need for limits such as no fireworks after 11 pm. The problem lies in the lack of control over when and where fireworks are set off.
Government Response
Kate Dearden
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade
Government Response
The Minister recognises the strength of feeling in communities regarding fireworks misuse and supports the need for a proportionate, evidence-led review of regulations. She acknowledges ongoing work on private Members' Bills to address firework noise control and antisocial use. Acknowledged urgency and committed to continue working on evidence gathering, engagement with devolved Administrations, promoting responsible use through campaigns, and collaboration with national charities. Emphasized the need to tackle antisocial behaviour as a priority and shared willingness to engage directly with communities affected by fireworks misuse.
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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.