30-10-02
Barrett calls for new firework laws in Commons Debate
John Barrett, Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, will today call on the Government to toughen laws on the sale and use of fireworks.
During a parliamentary debate in Westminster Hall, Mr Barrett will call new legislation to:
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Restrict the times of the year fireworks can be bought;
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Restrict the times of the day fireworks can be set off ;
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License all vendors of fireworks, giving trading standards authorities the power to revoke the license of any vendor caught selling fireworks to underage children;
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Require all public firework displays to be controlled by licensed pyro-technicians.
In a statement, Mr Barrett said:
"Fireworks can be used for fun events but far too often, they are let off recklessly, at any time of day or night throughout the year and are causing enormous distress to people and animals. After consulting with medical centres, the local police and community groups in my constituency, it is clear this is a major problem needing urgently tackled, especially in the run up to what is the traditional firework season.
"The Government needs to provide the parliamentary time required so that the House of Commons can properly consider and amend the current laws."
ENDS