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Written Question
Fireworks: Safety
Tuesday 24th December 2024

Asked by: Cat Smith (Labour - Lancaster and Wyre)

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 5 December 2024 to Question 17421 on Fireworks: Safety, what discussions she has had with (a) businesses, (b) consumer groups and (c) charities on the adequacy of the Fireworks Regulations 2004 at protecting (i) people and (ii) animals from the negative impacts of fireworks.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Government regularly engages with a wide range of stakeholders in relation to the impacts of fireworks. Our engagement includes with businesses, consumer groups and charities. The current regulatory framework is designed to support people to enjoy fireworks whilst lowering the risk of dangers and disruption to people, pets, and property. It is important that we ensure the safe, responsible and considerate use of fireworks for business and consumers alike.

At this stage I am examining the detail of existing legislation in relation to fireworks to decide if and where policy changes may be needed. I can assure you that the safety of the public and the impact on people, animals and property will be central in decisions on how we proceed in relation to the regulation of fireworks. To inform any future decisions I intend to engage with businesses, consumer groups and charities to gather evidence on the issues with and impacts of fireworks.


Written Question
Department for Business and Trade: Alcoholic Drinks
Friday 20th December 2024

Asked by: Cat Smith (Labour - Lancaster and Wyre)

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many alcohol industry representatives have Ministers in his Department met with since July 2024.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

As part of the Government’s transparency agenda, the Department for Business and Trade releases quarterly data on Ministerial meetings, gifts, hospitality and travel on the transparency pages of gov.uk. The next release will be for the period July to September 2024 with a yet to be confirmed date to be set by the Cabinet Office.