Ruth Cadbury MP has called on the Government to review the laws in relation to the use of fireworks. Speaking during a debate in Westminster Hall in Parliament on Monday 9th November Ruth spoke of her constituents’ concerns that fireworks were increasingly being set off outside of the legally proscribed times.
In her speech Ruth said, ‘‘a common complaint is fireworks being let off well after midnight, sometimes up to 3 am, disturbing families and those doing shift work. People do not object to public displays at a social time, but they do not want them in the middle of the night.’’ She also warned that this was having a huge impact on families locally, and the risk that unlicensed fireworks posed to safety.
Ruth also cited research by the RSPCA which showed that fireworks have an increasing impact on the wellbeing and behaviour of animals. Ruth finished her speech by calling for the legislation to be ‘updated’, especially as louder and more powerful fireworks are being used.
Speaking in full after the debate Ruth said,
‘‘Like many people, I love a good firework display. However this year I know that many people locally have been woken up by fireworks going on until 2, or 3 in the morning.
Constituents have also told me of their concern that fireworks are getting louder and more powerful. This causes huge disruption and makes life so much harder, especially for those with pets at home.
The laws governing firework use are nearly 20 years and it’s clear that the Government need to review the adequacy of the law. This would allow the Government to consider the impact on animals and also consider what extra powers local councils need to enforce the law. ’’