The MP for Milton Keynes North, Chris Curtis, has joined calls for a thorough review of current fireworks legislation to ensure it recognises the impact they can have on people and animals.
After being contacted by a number of concerned local constituents, Chris spoke with the Fireworks Impact Coalition in Parliament this week. The coalition is made up of a group of charities campaigning for stricter rules on fireworks, and includes organisations like the RSPCA, the British Veterinary Association and the Children’s Burns Trust.
The impacts that Chris and the coalition are hoping to highlight include the distressing effect on household pets and wildlife, the mental health impacts on individuals with conditions like PTSD, and the shocking frequency of adults and children suffering burns from fireworks.
Chris Curtis MP said, “Many of us have no issue with organised fireworks displays, but increasingly we are seeing private households using fireworks at all hours of the night, sporadically over a period of weeks, rather than solely on celebratory dates.”
He continued, “There are a range of impacts that the widespread use of fireworks can have, from veterans suffering with PTSD, to children being hospitalised for burns, to terrified cats and dogs needing veterinary intervention. In recent weeks, I’ve had numerous constituents write to me to express their worry and concern.”
He concluded, “I’m joining the Fireworks Impact Coalition in their call for increased regulation - to me it’s a common sense approach so that people can still enjoy special occasions, but we can lessen the harm that fireworks can cause.”
