Please can the release of Sky Lanterns, sometimes known as Chinese Lanterns, be banned in the UK.

Sky lanterns aren’t safe for animals or the environment.  They can cause injury, suffering and death to animals and birds.  An animal or bird can ingest them or become entangled.  Sharp wires can cause serious injury to both animals and birds.  Marine life can also be affected if they fall into the sea.

Sky Lanterns are a fire risk as they use an open flame to float. During the dry summer months this can be more of a problem if a lit lantern becomes entangled in a tree or other combustible object. The huge fire at the Smethwick recycling plant was thought to have been started by a sky lantern.  

The release of sky lanterns is already banned in some countries and in parts of Wales but we need more.  We need a complete ban on the release of these dangerous objects.

They are often released to remember a loved one, to celebrate an event or as a thank you but it is better to plant a tree which will be there for years to come or raise funds for a charity which will have a lasting impact.  There are far more environmentally friendly ways of remembering or thanking someone than releasing a lit lantern which gives five minutes of pleasure and can cause serious harm to wildlife, birds and the environment. 

I realise that the Government has a lot to deal with at the moment and I thank you all for your hard work but sky lanterns need to be banned now before more damage is done to our wonderful environment.