MPs Celebrates Fireworks Bill

12.00.00am GMT Tue 16th Sep 2003

On Monday 15 September, the Fireworks Bill finally passed its Third Reading in the House of Lords, and has therefore completed all the necessary parliamentary stages on the way to receiving Royal Assent.

MPs have been campaigning for tougher controls on the sale and the use of fireworks for several years, due to the ever increasing danger and nuisance that fireworks present in our communities.

Last year, fireworks injured 1362 people in the 4 week period around Bonfire Night - an increase of over 40% on 2000. Many more people and their pets are frightened and kept awake by indiscriminate and inconsiderate use of fireworks.

MPs mailbags are full of letters from residents who are concerned about the massive increase in the use of fireworks throughout the year.

Local MP Annette Brooke, who is also Vice-Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Fireworks, commented:

"The new generation of powerful fireworks are causing more alarm by their very loud bangs, as well as serious injuries to people, animals and damage to buildings.

"The shocking level of firework injuries points to a breakdown in the existing voluntary controls over the supply and use of fireworks.

"The Echo's "Bang out of Order" campaign on improving the control of firework sales was a great success. Cross party support from MPs, and thousands of constituents, contributed to the Bill's success."