MPs demand action against irresponsible fireworks use

The Petitions Committee has launched a new report calling on the government to take action on irresponsible fireworks use and improve industry regulation.

Petitions calling for tighter restrictions on the sale and use of fireworks have been signed more than 750,000 times by UK citizens, resulting in three debates in the House of Commons within the last three years. However, the committee found that the response from the government has continuously left petitioners feeling frustrated and ignored.

While the Petitions Committee doesn’t support calls for an outright ban, saying it could have unintended consequences for community groups and the good causes they support, the inquiry found clear evidence that action is needed to protect animals and some groups of people from serious adverse effects.

Amongst its recommendations, the MPs say that legislation must be introduced to empower local authorities to tackle this issue head on, so permits can be introduced in communities where the irresponsible use of fireworks is a particular problem for residents.

Additionally, the government has been encouraged to fund and coordinate major, national awareness campaigns, from October 2020 and annually thereafter, on responsible use of fireworks to raise awareness of the dangers of fireworks for those with health conditions such as PTSD or Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Helen Jones, chair of the Petitions Committee, said: “Our inquiry has shone a light on the troubling human impact of failing to regulate the fireworks industry effectively. From affecting the mental health of veterans, to harming animal welfare, and even threatening the health of young children, the consequences are widespread. It is not good enough for the government to repeatedly claim that the law protects these people and animals from harm. It does not. Now is the time for action, not apathy.
 
“While we do not support a ban on public sales and use of fireworks, further failure to act from the government and agencies could mean that a ban becomes the only option.”