Shipley MP Calls for Stronger Fireworks Legislation

A Member of Parliament has urged for stronger legislation to curb the antisocial deployment of fireworks. Anna Dixon, the MP for Shipley, communicated with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper earlier this week, proposing actions such as lowering the permissible decibel limit and considering a prohibition on the most disruptive types of fireworks. Dixon stated that numerous emails from her constituents detailed the impact of loud fireworks on their lives. She remarked: “I have spoken to residents in Wrose and Baildon and heard how fireworks are preventing them from sleeping or causing emotional distress to them and their pets.” The Labour Member of Parliament additionally advocated for more stringent licensing protocols, specifically to restrict the sale of fireworks to minors. She commented: “The law is clear that fireworks should not disturb the peace after 23:00. However, it is evident that some individuals are disregarding this.” She further added: “It has been two decades since the last set of regulations on fireworks and it would be good to revisit this issue.” Dixon concluded: “It was the previous Labour government that last took action on antisocial firework use, and I would support the new government taking action on it again.” In September, families in Bradford campaigned for a reduction in the “year-round” deployment of fireworks, organizing an online petition and a protest outside Bradford City Hall. Current regulations in England and Wales prohibit the use of fireworks between 23:00 and 07:00, with Bonfire Night being an exception where the curfew extends to midnight. Regarding personal consumption, fireworks are exclusively available for purchase from authorized seasonal vendors during specific periods: 15 October to 10 November, from Boxing Day through New Year’s Eve, and for three days preceding Diwali and Chinese New Year. The Department for Business and Trade, a government body, previously informed the BBC that public safety holds a “priority,” yet maintained that “councils and the police have powers to protect the public from misuse and harm.”