The petition, which was created by Robert Branch, now has more than 1,000 signatures
A petition demanding a prohibition on firework sales and usage has attracted over 100,000 signatures, which means Parliament must now contemplate debating the matter. Established by Robert Branch, the petition urges the Government to restrict firework sales exclusively to those organising local council-approved events.
The petition states: “Ban the sale of fireworks to the general public to minimise the harm caused to vulnerable people and animals. Defenceless animals can die from the distress caused by fireworks. I believe that permitting unregulated use of fireworks is an act of wide-scale cruelty to animals.”
Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE, reports the Manchester Evening News. By Monday afternoon (November 10), the petition had accumulated nearly 130,000 signatures, ensuring the Government will contemplate parliamentary debate on the subject.
Once exceeding 10,000 signatures, the Government is anticipated to provide a response. This isn’t the inaugural petition seeking to curtail firework sales.
Last year, the Government released a statement following a comparable petition that secured more than 80,000 signatures. That petition was entitled: “Limit the sale and use of Fireworks to licence holders only,” with additional details stating: “Fireworks killed our mum, Josephine Smith. Her home was attacked using fireworks.
“We believe the use of fireworks after sale to the public cannot be policed. We think all displays should be licensed and sales limited to licence holders only.” In response to the petition, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has stated that it takes the misuse of fireworks “seriously” and that tackling anti-social behaviour is a top priority.
The DBT issued a statement back in December 2024, saying: “The Government takes the misuse of fireworks issues seriously. Where local issues are identified, councils and the police have powers to protect the public from misuse and harm.
“Misuse of fireworks and illegal possession offences are subject to an unlimited fine and/or six months in prison.”
This topic was debated in Parliament on 9 December 2024, with Conservative MP Robbie Moore giving the final response: “We must recognise the freedom to enjoy fireworks, but above all else we must protect the liberties of those who are so devastatingly affected, because there is certainly no freedom for those who are trapped in their homes throughout the year because of fireworks misuse.
“If the illegal use of fireworks cannot be curtailed, the only option we are left with is stricter regulation at the point of sale. Although it may be difficult to catch an offender using fireworks, it is surely easier for authorities to ensure that regulations are followed at the point of sale, and to advise fireworks businesses to use discretion when they fear that fireworks may be used improperly.”
As with all official petitions, the Government is required to respond when they receive more than 10,000 signatures. Furthermore, at 100,000 signatures, a petition will be considered for debate in Parliament.
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