Business of the House

Alex Ballinger Excerpts

Thursday 14th November 2024 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Powell]

I am delighted to join my hon. Friend in congratulating the Holme Valley mountain rescue team on its work, which he so clearly outlined. I encourage him to apply for an Adjournment debate to raise some of those important topics.

[Alex Ballinger (Halesowen) (Lab)]

It was fireworks night last week, and many people in my constituency celebrated and had a nice time enjoying that traditional event. However, many constituents have written to me about the impact of fireworks on their pets, which can be extremely distressing. Like my hon. Friend the Member for Livingston (Gregor Poynton), I have concerns about how fireworks affect my constituents’ most beloved animals. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has written a note called “Kind Sparks”, which talks about measures we can take. I add my voice to others in calling on the Leader of the House to arrange a debate so that we can discuss how to reduce the impact and the distress that fireworks cause to pets, animals and wildlife.

[Lucy Powell]

At this time of year, we get a lot of questions about fireworks, and particularly their impact on pets and livestock, which my hon. Friend raised so well. Given that three or four hon. Members have raised the issue, I encourage them to club together and apply for a debate.