MPs condemn nuisance fireworks in Commons debate

MPs from across Yorkshire have spoken at a Parliamentary debate about how fireworks are blighting their communities.

The discussion took place on Monday after two petitions on the issue, with a combined total of 370,000 signatures, were submitted to the government.

The first called for a reduction on the maximum noise level for consumer fireworks from 120 to 90 decibels, while the second sought a limit on the sale of fireworks to those running local council-approved events only.

Robbie Moore, Conservative MP for Keighley and Ilkley, said the antisocial use of fireworks had had "dramatic impacts" in his constituency.

Opening the debate, he told fellow MPs: "It's undeniable that inapropriate use of fireworks can have a devastating effect on domestic pets, farm animals and alike."

Moore said his constituents were "deeply concerned that much tougher action must take place now on fireworks".

"Public support for change is overwhelming," he added, telling the debate that current legislation "is not working".

Iqbal Mohamed, the independent MP for Dewsbury and Batley, said the petitions had received "significant backing" in his constituency, with more than 200 people signing both.

"Those numbers and the popularity of this debate reflect a genuine and deeply felt concern about the troubling effects that fireworks can have in our communities," he said.

Iqbal shared details of a conversation he had about this issue with one of his constituents who told him: "[Fireworks] are a constant, nearly every night, getting louder and are being let off at all hours.

"They are not only anti-social, but they are harming my dog."

Anna Dixon, Labour MP for Shipley, said she had spoken to a veteran in her constituency who suffers with PTSD and said he was "traumatised" by fireworks.

Dixon said she had launched her own petition in October calling for a reduction in the decibel limit on fireworks sold in the UK, which had attracted almost 5,000 signatures.

Rachael Maskell, Labour MP for York Central, added: "Putting in restrictions to safeguard peoples and animals' welfare is of course a logical step."

Meanwhile Mark Sewards, Labour MP for Leeds South West and Morley, said while he enjoyed fireworks, "it's become clear that something isn't right".

"My constituents have been contacting me in great numbers to state that both the volume and frequency of fireworks has been increasing and is having a much more negative impact on their lives."

Halifax MP Kate Dearden was sent to respond to the debate as part of her role as under secretary for the Department for Business and Trade

After being pushed by Moore and others on what action the government would take, she said she was "not able to provide a timescale", adding: "I would, of course, be happy to work with [MPs] across the house on next steps."

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