Southport MP Patrick Hurley has called for tighter restrictions on the sale of fireworks in shops.
While he admits he “loves fireworks” and is proud that Southport hosts the annual British Musical Fireworks Championships, which he describes as “a sight to behold”, he wants to see rules about where members of the public can buy fireworks.
Mr Hurley spoke during a debate in Parliament about the sale and use of fireworks.
It followed the submission of two petitions to the Government.
The first, by Chloe Brindley, with over 50,000 signatures, outlines negative impacts of firework use, including animal stress and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as the impact on A&E services.
The second petition by Alan Smith, with over 75,000 signatures, followed two teenagers firing lit fireworks through the letterbox of his mother, Josephine Smith, starting a fire that went on to kill her.
Speaking in Parliament, Patrick Hurley said: “I love fireworks and I certainly do not think that they should be banned.
“In Southport, we are proud to host the British musical fireworks championship every year in Victoria Park. Often a sight to behold, it always features excellent displays, but that is the point: they are displays, they are specialised and regulated. Many technicians are on hand to ensure safety, and specialised explosive technicians set off the displays.
“Neither the petitions nor a Bill proposed by Sarah Owen MP call for a total ban on fireworks. They both celebrate the enjoyment that the majority of people feel from firework displays.
“However, I am sympathetic to the idea that our current framework does not do enough to protect people and animals, and allows fireworks to be used dangerously and irresponsibly.
“Allowing unlicensed traders to sell category F2 (Garden Fireworks) and F3 (Display Fireworks) over a month around bonfire night, as well as during new year, Chinese new year and Diwali, is excessive. It means that there are widespread firework displays over an entire month, which disproportionately affects our vulnerable groups in society.
“One such group is our veterans, many of whom are suffering from PTSD or other forms of distress from fighting for our country.
“Alongside that, the well documented effects of excessive firework displays on our pets and animals are saddening.
“There is also a serious risk that the current regulations allow the irresponsible use of fireworks. NHS England reported 113 firework-related injuries in 2023-24. Most of those injuries happen at family events and amateur displays, due to the widespread availability of most fireworks.
“Back in 2020, the chief constable and the chief fire officer for Lancashire spoke out about introducing regulations similar to those proposed by the petitions, due to police officers having had fireworks launched at them.
“More recently, police officers had fireworks shot at them in attacks during the riots this summer. “One way to clamp down on such extreme attacks on our emergency services would be to reduce the availability of fireworks.
“We can minimise the impact on our vulnerable groups in society by supporting some of the regulations suggested in the petitions.
“We should limit the sale of F2 and F3 fireworks to licensed firework shops only, and encourage those wanting to have displays to be recognised as firework-safe handlers and technicians.
“I welcome the public bringing the issue to Parliament.”
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