Found: impact Covid: advised NHSE/public/doctors - avoided lockdown injury surge Supported Scottish Fireworks Bill

Found: impact Covid: advised NHSE/public/doctors - avoided lockdown injury surge Supported Scottish Fireworks Bill

Found: SAWC has therefore recommended that the Scottish Government support a Private Member’s Fireworks Bill

Found: Safety Team Leader.111...Firearms Casework Officer....1..Firearms Policy Support Officer.....1.Fireworks Bill

Question

To ask the Scottish Government what further action it is taking to address the problematic use of fireworks.

Answered by Brown, Siobhian - Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise

The Scottish Government continues to work with partners throughout the year in addressing the misuse of fireworks. I welcome that Police Scotland reported a more peaceful and safe Bonfire Night period in comparison to recent years and that they recorded an almost 37 per cent reduction in calls relating to fireworks offences compared to the previous year. I commend the important preparatory and preventative work of Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and local authorities, including the introduction of firework control zones, which all contributed to a safer Bonfire Night.

We continue to keep the operation of the legislation under review. As the sale of fireworks is a reserved matter, I also continue to engage with UK Ministers to ensure that the Scottish Government is kept closely updated on the UK Government’s plans in relation to fireworks, including on its consideration of a Private Members’ Fireworks Bill which calls for stricter rules for fireworks sellers and a reduced noise limit from fireworks.

Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it has reviewed its reported decision to pause the implementation of provisions in the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022 regarding (a) the implementation of a licensing system for those wishing to use fireworks and (b) restricting the days on which fireworks can be supplied and used.

Answered by Brown, Siobhian - Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise

Four out of six key measures provided for within the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022, have been implemented and two have been paused, as outlined to the Criminal Justice Committee. The decisions to pause the implementation of a licensing system for those wishing to use fireworks and restricting the days on which fireworks can be supplied and used, are being kept under review. The Scottish Government is keeping abreast of developments being made by the UK Government including the consideration of the Private Members’ Fireworks Bill seeking to restrict and limit the use and sale of fireworks.