MP Gareth Snell welcomes the largest review into fireworks legislation

Since getting elected, MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central, Gareth Snell has been hearing from local residents sharing their concerns about anti-social fireworks use, which has caused distress to local veterans, disrupted working people and terrified pets and young children.

After lobbying Government colleagues for action to address residents’ concerns, MP Gareth Snell welcomes the announcement made this week, that Labour is launching the largest review of fireworks legislation since it was first introduced.

Labour is turning the tide on Tory inaction and have launched a consultation to hear directly from residents about the change they want to see. Through this review, families, children and their pets will be able to go about their day with less disturbance, whilst still ensuring residents can enjoy fireworks safely and as part of the community and cultural celebrations they play a part in.

This review will ask respondents to comment on:

• Restricting the availability of the noisiest fireworks, with louder products only being available to professional displays,

• Increasing the number of products that are banned due to unacceptable risk to communities, under Regulation 33 of the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015

• Reviewing the wider regulatory framework for fireworks classified as ‘lower risk’, to ensure that the law accurately reflects the different levels of risk that they pose.

This action comes alongside the wider steps that Labour is taking to tackle anti-social behaviour, bring residents together and make communities safer.

Gareth said: “This consultation is an important opportunity to reduce the impact of fireworks on communities.

“I support a review of products that may present an unacceptable risk to communities and welcome consideration of whether additional fireworks should be prohibited under the existing regulatory framework. Furthermore, reviewing the classification and regulation of lower-risk fireworks will help ensure that legislation remains proportionate, evidence-based and reflective of the differing levels of risk posed by these products.

“I look forward to engaging with the consultation to develop a balanced approach that prioritises public safety, community wellbeing and responsible enjoyment of fireworks”

Local residents can pass on their views to Gareth by visiting: https://garethsnell.org.uk/fireworks