Fireworks have become a growing public concern due to their impact on people, animals, and the environment. While they can bring joy when used safely and responsibly, too often they cause distress, injury, and damage when sold for personal use.

I've witnessed firsthand the reckless use of fireworks. I’ve seen people throwing them into roads, damaged cars, and even lighting them directly in front of families and children. Fireworks being fired at people and passersby is something I have observed too often. This is not only frightening but also dangerous, and it needs to be illegal to have them available to the public for personal use.

Every year in the UK, fireworks cause significant harm to people, animals, and the environment. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), the NHS “burns and scalds” advice page receives over 8,000 visits during Bonfire Night weekend—around one every 21 seconds—showing a sharp rise in injuries compared to the rest of the year. The Children’s Burns Trust has reported the highest level of serious firework-related injuries in over a decade, with at least 40 children in England and Wales requiring specialist treatment this year alone. The RSPCA receives more than 400 calls annually about animals distressed or injured by fireworks, and studies show 64 % of cats and 40 % of dogs display signs of fear or stress during firework season, with an 81 % increase in missing dogs reported by The Kennel Club. These incidents predominantly occur during private, unsupervised displays, while professionally organised events record virtually no fatalities or major injuries. The evidence clearly shows that public access to fireworks presents unnecessary risks, and restricting their use to licensed, professional displays would protect people, animals, and communities without preventing celebration.

Fireworks not only cause distress and injury but also place an avoidable financial strain on the NHS. In Scotland, an evaluation by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde found that treating firework-related injuries cost the health board around £40,000 each year, with severe cases costing over £5,000 per patient. Although there is no official UK-wide total, this figure represents just one region and highlights the substantial costs when scaled nationally. Many firework injuries require hospital admission, burns treatment, or reconstructive care, adding to pressures on already overstretched emergency departments. During Bonfire Night 2023 alone, the NHS burns and scalds advice page received over 8,000 visits in one weekend, showing a sharp seasonal surge in injury-related demand. By restricting fireworks to licensed professional events, we could significantly reduce these injuries and help ease the burden on the NHS, saving money and protecting public health.
Moreover, fireworks have severe implications on wildlife and pets. The unpredictable loud noises cause distress and panic among animals. Many pets flee in fear, resulting in countless lost animals after firework displays.

In addition to the immediate dangers, fireworks contribute to air and noise pollution. They release toxic chemicals and heavy metals into the atmosphere, which can lead to respiratory problems and environmental contamination.

We propose that the sale of fireworks to the general public be banned, and that their use be restricted to licensed professionals who can provide safe and controlled displays. This not only ensures public safety but also allows us to enjoy fireworks without the associated risks.

Sign this petition to urge lawmakers to act now. We must protect our communities, our environment, and our future from the threats that fireworks pose when in the wrong hands.