Thank you for contacting me about fireworks regulations.
I appreciate and share the concerns you raise. Indeed, I have been a longstanding campaigner on this issue. I introduced a private member's bill on the subject many years ago that and eventually led to the tightening of controls, and have since written to the Trading Standards commission regarding the use of excessively loud fireworks, especially over the bonfire night and Diwali period.
I believe that fireworks displays run by local charities and organisations can provide a safe and organised way for people to enjoy fireworks, while promoting community cohesion and raising funds for local causes. However, it is necessary to look at how we can better protect people, animals and the planet from the misuse of fireworks, and the stress and anxiety it can cause to smaller children, older people and those who suffer from mental health issues, as well as to pets and livestock.
Since January 2005, the sale of fireworks to the public has been prohibited, except for from licensed traders. However, fireworks can be sold by unlicensed traders for Chinese New Year, Diwali, Bonfire Night celebrations and new year. On the use of fireworks, under the Fireworks Regulations 2004, it is an offence to use fireworks after 11pm and before 7am without permission, except on permitted fireworks nights, when the times are extended. The regulations also allow fireworks use by local authority employees to put on displays permitted by the local authority, or for a national public celebration.
I believe it is clear when it comes to our firework regulations, that the law has not kept pace with developments, and the Government should look at them to determine the changing impact of fireworks and whether any changes are needed. For example, it needs to address the growing calls for fireworks use to be permitted only in public displays or at certain times of year, as well as to look at what can be done to bring the current decibel level cap down.
However, unless these laws are enforced, they are largely meaningless. I am concerned that a decade of cuts to local authorities, including for example to their trading standards and environmental health teams, has left them without the resources to tackle rogue traders or those breaking the rules. If the Government is serious about protecting the public, animals and the environment from the negative aspects of fireworks, I believe we need to see investment that allows for a proper enforcement of existing legislation.
Thank you once again for contacting me. I will continue to monitor developments on this issue.
Yours sincerely,
Barry Gardiner Member of Parliament for Brent North