Ban the sale of fireworks to the general public

Purchasing and owning fireworks should not be allowed for the general public. The Government should introduce a law stating that fireworks should only be permitted for professional shows and events - this will mean they are handled safely, cleanly, and at predictable times.

The negatives of fireworks outweigh the positives. Every year fireworks do the following:

- Stress out animals, often to point of causing death - Trigger people with PTSD and trauma (e.g. soldiers) - Harm those with sensory issues, due to the unpredictable noise - Cause litter that is then left to rot - Flood our already stretched A&Es with unnecessary injuries

I understand that they look pretty, however they do more damage than good. Pro shows enable people to still enjoy them, just considerately.

The Government understands that people want to enjoy fireworks. We believe that the legislative framework controlling fireworks strikes the right balance and we have no plans to replace it at this time.

The Government's intention has always been to minimise any negative impact of fireworks and we support their considerate use, reducing the risks and disturbances to individuals, animals, and property. The majority of individuals who use fireworks do so in a responsible and safe manner and there are enforcement mechanisms in place to tackle situations when fireworks are misused. Local authorities and the police also have powers to tackle anti-social behaviour caused by the misuse of fireworks. It is for local areas to decide how best to deploy these powers, based on their specific circumstances. Whilst there is no evidence to suggest that there is a widespread issue with unsafe or illegal fireworks being used in the UK, the Government continues to work with the Health and Safety Executive and local authorities, including Border Force and Trading Standards, to take action against anyone who imports or sells fireworks illegally in the UK.

Existing legislation controls the sale, availability, and use of fireworks. For example, there is an 11pm curfew in place for the use of fireworks, with later exceptions only for the traditional firework periods of November 5th, Diwali, New Year’s Eve and the Chinese New Year. Using fireworks outside the curfew hours is a criminal offence enforced by the police and can lead to imprisonment and a substantial fine. Lower noise fireworks are commercially available to consumers to purchase if they wish to, potentially reducing any distress to vulnerable groups and animals.