In light of the recent tragic and needless deaths of the 2 Police Officers near Middlesbrough, it's even more pertinent that we bring legislation that prevents the mass release of balloons at vigil's.

It's becoming evident that balloon vigil's are being used as a precursor for mass gatherings of trouble makers to glorify and celebrate some people that are committing crime and terrorising communities.

We need to ensure that we get enough signatures so that this topic can be front and center across local, regional and national government agenda's and put a stop to the mass congregation of violent criminals and lawless individuals glorifying the deaths of the imbeciles responsible for the deaths of these officers.

Law abiding citizens don't assemble on masse in jeeps, car's and motorbikes wearing Balaclavas and setting off flare's when paying their respects to lost loved ones using a balloon release as a smoke screen. 

So aside from the obvious environmental impact these balloon releases have, they are currently in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Let's put an end to this and legally prevent balloon releases from happening full stop.

It has become painfully obvious that releasing balloons into the sky, often seen at vigils or gatherings, is a harmful practice that needs to stop. With every event, hundreds of balloons, essentially single-use plastics, are released, ultimately polluting our cherished landscapes and endangering our wildlife in the UK.

I am beyond frustrated with seeing litter scattered across our beautiful UK countryside. Each time I walk through the woods or take a stroll by local parks, I find balloons entangled in tree branches, bushes, and fences, remnants of past vigils or TikTok gatherings. It's disheartening and infuriating. Even more distressing is stumbling upon wildlife in distress, entangled in these non-biodegradable materials. Birds, small mammals, and aquatic creatures all suffer needlessly due to these releases.

The truth is, these public vigils and gatherings could express their respect and mourning in ways that do not cause harm. Eco-friendly practices such as planting trees, wildflowers, or organising clean-up drives can serve as meaningful and impactful alternatives.

Moreover, the Environmental Investigation Agency, along with other environmental organisations, have repeatedly highlighted the damaging impacts of balloon releases: marine life ingestion, entanglements, and contribution to the alarming levels of plastic pollution. According to Defra reports, an estimated 30-40% of the balloons released end up in the sea, posing grave risks to marine life.

We must urge the UK government to take more stringent action by implementing laws that ban these damaging practices altogether. Making balloon releases at vigils a criminal act will signal our commitment to preserving our environment and protecting our wildlife for generations to come.

Join me in urging local councils and the UK Parliament to legislate against balloon releases and adopt alternative methods of commemoration. Together, we can protect our natural habitats and wildlife, fostering a more sustainable and respectful way to remember and honour loved ones.

Please sign this petition and help protect our beautiful UK for future generations.