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A petition calling to "limit the sale" of fireworks has received more than 40,000 signatures, meaning that a Government response can be expected soon. Created by Robert Branch, the petition calls for the Government to limit the sale of fireworks to those running local council approved events. Its description reads: "Ban the sale of fireworks to the general public to minimise the harm caused to vulnerable people and animals. "Defenceless animals can die from the distress caused by fireworks. "I believe that permitting unregulated use of fireworks is an act of wide-scale cruelty to animals." As it has now accrued more than 40,000 signatures, the Government can be expected to issue a statement soon. And this is not the first petition to call for the limiting of sales of fireworks. Last year, the Government issued a statement following a similar petition garnered more than 80,000 signatures. The petition was titled: "Limit the sale and use of Fireworks to licence holders only," and further description read: "Fireworks killed our mum, Josephine Smith. Her home was attacked using fireworks. "We believe the use of fireworks after sale to the public cannot be policed. We think all displays should be licensed and sales limited to licence holders only." In a response to the petition, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) said that it takes misuse of fireworks "seriously" and that tackling anti-social behaviour is a top priority. In its response, issued back in December 2024, the DBT said: "The Government takes the misuse of fireworks issues seriously. Where local issues are identified, councils and the police have powers to protect the public from misuse and harm. "Misuse of fireworks and illegal possession offenses are subject to an unlimited fine and/or six months in prison." The topic was debated in Parliament on December 9, 2024, with a final response from Conservative MP Robbie Moore stating: "We must recognise the freedom to enjoy fireworks, but above all else we must protect the liberties of those who are so devastatingly affected, because there is certainly no freedom for those who are trapped in their homes throughout the year because of fireworks misuse. "If the illegal use of fireworks cannot be curtailed, the only option we are left with is stricter regulation at the point of sale. Although it may be difficult to catch an offender using fireworks, it is surely easier for authorities to ensure that regulations are followed at the point of sale, and to advise fireworks businesses to use discretion when they fear that fireworks may be used improperly." The Government is obligated to respond to petitions that get more than 10,000 signatures, and then at 100,000 signatures, a petition will be considered for debate in Parliament.
