Campaigners and MPs have reacted with delight to rumour that the Government is to hold a consultation on tightening fireworks laws – although the Government has yet to confirm this.
The Politics Home website reported last month that the plan is to consider whether to update which fireworks are banned, review requirements for “lower-risk” fireworks and reduce the noise limit for consumer fireworks.
The consultation, which is part of the Labour government’s ‘Safer Streets’ policy, is expected to seek input on how the British public can balance the enjoyment of fireworks with reducing harm and distress to vulnerable people and animals.
In December, two petitions – one calling for reducing the maximum noise level for consumer fireworks from 120 to 90 decibels, and the other in support of limiting the sale of fireworks to those running local council-approved events only – reached more than 376,000 signatures taken together. With one of them being championed by Redwings Horse Sanctuary as part of their “Keep Horses in Mind” campaign.
Both petitions were debated by MPs in January, in which business and trade minister Kate Dearden said she would be “working at pace” in the department on “building the evidence base” and “speaking to as many people as possible”.
The consultation will seek public and business views on the impact of fireworks and the potential consequences of tighter regulations, with some industry opposition expected.