Pressure is growing for tighter regulation of fireworks. (Image: Getty)
A ban on the public buying fireworks will be debated in Parliament this week as concern mounts about the impact of the explosions on military veterans, entire “terrorised” communities and pets.
This follows nearly 50,300 signing a petition calling for the sale of fireworks to the “general public” to be banned.
Combat Stress – which supports the mental health of veterans – has warned of how fireworks can trigger “painful and traumatic memories of combat”.
Monday’s debate follows the introduction of a draft law by Labour MP Sarah Owen. The law would ban the sale to the public of fireworks that leave the ground and limit the noise level to 90 decibels.
Robbie Moore, the Conservative MP who will introduce the petition debate, described the harm caused by fireworks today.
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He said: “Fireworks are explosives, plain and simple. They disturb the peace of entire neighbourhoods, terrify pets, and leave vulnerable people trapped in their own homes.”
Mr Moore said he heard “terrible stories” about fireworks being used “at all times of the night” to “terrorise the community”.
He said: “It is clear Parliament owes it to the public to finally address this issue head-on.”
The Kennel Club wants fireworks “restricted to licensed events only” with councils providing a “central list of when and where fireworks displays are taking place”.
Chief executive of Combat Stress, Chloe Mackay said, “Fireworks can be triggering for veterans. The sudden loud noises, unexpected flashes and the smell of lingering smoke can bring back painful and traumatic memories of combat. It’s no surprise that we see a higher rate of distress in veterans accessing our services during firework season.”
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Pushing for greater information about when fireworks will go off, she said: “Veterans can put coping strategies in place, but need to be able to plan in advance. Knowing when there will be fireworks will improve the lives of the many veterans who live with trauma following their military service. We want to see a review of current firework legislation that is developed with the expert testimony and the lived experience of veterans.”
Adrian Simpson of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said fireworks can be “enjoyed safely and responsibly without the need for complete restriction” but added that “by far the safest way to enjoy fireworks will always be at an organised event where strict safety measures will be in place”.
Environment minister Daniel Zeichner said officials intend to gather evidence on the impact of fireworks, adding: “Officials have already been working with Combat Stress, Help for Heroes and the Dogs Trust to share information about safe and considerate use of fireworks.”