Petitions

Martyn Day Excerpts

Tuesday 20th November 2018 Commons Chamber

[Martyn Day (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (SNP)]

I rise to present a petition from my constituents regarding the regulation and control of fireworks. My office has seen a growing number of complaints about the issue each year. I have been inundated by videos of distressed pets that are clearly upset as a result of acoustic stress. In answer to my written question, the Government said that they have

“no plans to amend the regulations”

and that they are sticking to the 120 dB figure, so I hope that they will reconsider the matter—just as they reconsidered issues earlier tonight. As an example, the noise of a jet taking off is around 100 dB and the average human pain threshold is 110 dB, so this matter certainly needs to be looked at.

The petition states:

The petition of residents of Linlithgow and East Falkirk,

Declares that the petitioners believe that the use of fireworks is increasing in terms of frequency and that the resultant nuisance of noise and perceived danger from explosions are growing with the ever increasing size and power of fireworks available within the UK; further that fireworks can cause severe distress to people suffering from PTSD or other mental health issues and to animals.

The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to review the existing legislation for the regulation and control of fireworks; further that consideration be given to legislating for a ban on private use and limited fireworks to licensed displays; and further that considerations be given to promoting the use of silent fireworks as an alternative

And the petitioners remain, etc.

[P002288]