A Labour MP has called for a ban on fireworks on weekdays, a move which would make explosive Bonfire Night celebrations tomorrow evening illegal.
Although many Guy Fawkes events were already held over the past weekend, many thousands of people will still be gearing up for a Bonfire Night celebration on the night of Wednesday, November 5, whether at an organised event or in their own back garden.
But Labour MP Alex Mayer has called for a law change which would make it illegal to set off fireworks on weekdays, even if Bonfire Night fell outside of a weekend.
The MP argued this would reduce the disruption caused by fireworks to animals and people. She has previously presented a petition to Parliament calling for quieter fireworks, which she described as “keeping the whoosh but getting rid of the bang”.
In the Commons, the MP for Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard said: “This year, fireworks day falls on a Wednesday.
“Would the Leader of the House consider a debate on designating a specific weekend as Bonfire Night for fireworks to reduce all the disruption to animals and people?”
Speaking at business questions, Commons Leader Sir Alan Campbell replied: “The Government is acutely aware, particularly at this time of year, of concerns, not least around animal welfare.
“So I would encourage (Ms Mayer) to seek a debate, either an adjournment debate, or a backbench business debate, so that she can raise those concerns and we ensure that legislation on fireworks is kept up to date.”
It follows a petition calling for a ban on loud fireworks that gained tens of thousands of signatures and prompted a government response.
The petition proposes that fireworks should be limited to 90 decibels or less in an effort to reduce distress for animals.
It says: “We think each year, individuals suffer because of loud fireworks. We believe horses, dogs, cats, livestock and wildlife can be terrified by noisy fireworks and many people find them intolerable.
“There is independent research suggesting that over half of dog owners report fireworks anxiety in their dog. There’s an 81% increase in missing dogs around Bonfire Night. Almost 25% of military veterans say fireworks have caused a negative experience for them.
“We think both humans and animals are less likely to be distressed by fireworks noise below 90dB.
“We believe lower noise levels would allow fireworks to be enjoyed while potentially reducing some of their many negative impacts.”
Last week, the government responded, outlining that the law allows fireworks to be used up to 120dB, and that it has launched a campaign to encourage responsible firework use in time for Bonfire Night.
However, it stopped short of promising any reduction in the noise level allowed by law or a ban on fireworks exceeding 90dB.
It said: “The Government recognises that some people have strong feelings about fireworks, and the potential impact they can have on communities, for example, by causing disturbances to vulnerable individuals and groups or animals. However, we also know that fireworks, when used responsibly, are a source of enjoyment for many people.
“A number of animal welfare organisations, along with industry and local authorities, provide advice and guidance to enable people to minimise the negative impacts of fireworks on people, animals and our communities. We work closely with these organisations to amplify this messaging in the run-up to, and during, key dates when fireworks are commonly used.
“Current regulations control their sale, availability, and use, including setting a maximum noise level of 120 decibels for consumer fireworks. Many retailers also offer ‘lower noise’ and ‘no bang’ fireworks, which are available to purchase by consumers.”