🔥 Fireworks Bill

Commons Chamber

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Sarah Owen passionately argued for stricter fireworks regulations in Parliament, highlighting how their frequent use disrupts sleep, education, and causes distress to people and animals alike. She pointed out that current laws allow the sale of dangerously loud fireworks to the public, which has led to severe incidents including injuries and even fatalities. Support for the bill spans a broad coalition including animal welfare organizations and veterans’ groups, reflecting widespread public desire for change. The debate on this critical issue will resume on 25 April.

Summary

  • Sarah Owen, MP for Luton North, introduced the Fireworks Bill for its second reading, focusing on reducing the nuisance caused by loud fireworks.

  • The Bill has wide support across different constituencies and is co-sponsored by MPs from Peterborough and Newport East, among others.

  • Fireworks have become a frequent disturbance, affecting residents’ sleep, mental health, and even education, as reported by students at Parklea primary school.

  • Current laws allow the sale of fireworks up to 120 decibels to the public, a noise level comparable to a rock concert.

  • The Bill aims to address the impact on various groups, including those with neurodiverse conditions, as highlighted by concerns raised about the distress caused to non-verbal autistic children.

  • Veterinary surgeon Dr Neil Hudson supported the Bill, noting the severe distress and injuries fireworks cause to animals, with an 81% increase in missing dogs reported by the Kennel Club.

  • The Bill’s necessity was further emphasized by veterans and others with PTSD, indicating its broad impact on mental health.

  • Incidents of fireworks being used dangerously or criminally were brought up, including a police officer’s injury and a fatal incident involving a firework through a letterbox.

  • The Bill seeks to close a loophole allowing unlicensed sellers to sell fireworks during certain times of the year and promote safer, quieter alternatives such as drones and low-noise fireworks.

  • A YouGov survey mentioned during the debate showed public preference for drone displays over traditional fireworks.

  • **The debate on the Fireworks Bill was interrupted and scheduled to resume on Friday, 25 April.

Divisiveness

The session demonstrates a general consensus on the concerns regarding fireworks, particularly their impact on animals, individuals with PTSD, and those with neurodiverse conditions. The interactions among Members are predominantly supportive, with all participants rallying for stronger regulations concerning fireworks. The debating tone is collaborative and solution-oriented, with no signs of stark disagreement or confrontation. Therefore, the session scores low (2 out of 5) in terms of displayed disagreement.