Unfortunately, this discussion is no longer valid

Expired

UK Government and Parliament Petition - Ban fireworks for general sale to the public.

Posted 3rd NovEdited by:"Emmalu"4th Nov

Every year more and more people, animals and wildlife get hurt by fireworks. It’s time something was fine to stop this. There are enough organised firework groups around for us to still enjoy fireworks safely so please help me stop the needless sale of them to the public.
At 100,000 signatures, this petition will be considered for debate in Parliament

Parliament now will consider this for a debate as this has now passed the required 100,000 signatures.

PostShare Share with WhatsApp Share with Messenger

Misc

New Comment Save for later

Groups

Sale

Top comments

3rd Nov

Why should I give up a fun night with my kids because of aload of idiots who throw them about in the streets

Edited by: "ashmac" 4th Nov

4th Nov

Not signed.

#FireworksForEveryone

4th Nov

No, I enjoy fireworks.

Think Ill make a counter petition to keep Fireworks accessible all year round.

3rd Nov

Nearly at 100k, fantastic news! Pets aren't my concern, just can't stand random fireworks hassling me.

Edited by: "jamie15" 3rd Nov

97 Comments

4th Nov

EndlessWaves04/11/2019 16:00
A quick check of other petitions shows that's not the case.For example …A quick check of other petitions shows that's not the case.For example this one claims a site and IP block is far harder to get around than an account ban:https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/272087Or for example this one suggests that the only way a positive result in the reduction of knife crime can be achieved is by changing the sentencing:https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/268766Both claims are highly dubious, enough to be called false without strong evidence to the contrary.

Standards for petitions

deleted2172605

4th Nov

Biddy204/11/2019 15:57
It’s not exclusively about pets. It’s about wildlife too. The shock from th …It’s not exclusively about pets. It’s about wildlife too. The shock from the fireworks causes them to panic which results in their deaths at times. That’s if the shock doesn’t kill them. The debris left from the fireworks can also be picked up by wild animals too which can cause them harm. Does this make wildlife selfish too?

it scares some kids too. but let's ban everything and wrap ourselves in bubble wrap so nothing and nobody gets hurt. my god some people want to ruin everyone's fun. Pretty sure litter is a bigger problem to wildlife than a few loud pops and bangs for 5 days out of 365. Or the toxic chemicals in all our water. In the grand scheme of things, a few pops and bangs is nothing. But yeah, ban everything. Ban cars too because more people die from them or go to A&E from them than fireworks every year.

Even wildlife organisations don't want to ban them and think they can be used responsibly ... e.g.

westsoundwildlife.org/wil…tml

While fireworks can be dangerous to wildlife, it isn't necessary to completely eliminate these summer sensations from personal backyard parties. Enjoy them responsibly and keep the amazing local wildlife safe from harm.

Even the RSPCA isn't asking for a ban, they want them sold from certain dates (which they already are)

rspca.org.uk › rspca+fireworks+briefing+(pdf+247kb).pdf

Edited by: "deleted2172605" 4th Nov

4th Nov

There's strict restrictions in place for fireworks already (though not really enforced in my area), would be shocked if it's completely banned anytime soon. Calls for it to be banned this year got labelled as a leftist, socialist "no-fun" ideology by those snobs in power - all the best with getting anywhere with this petition.

4th Nov

deleted217260504/11/2019 16:00
it scares some kids too. but let's ban everything and wrap ourselves in …it scares some kids too. but let's ban everything and wrap ourselves in bubble wrap so nothing and nobody gets hurt. my god some people want to ruin everyone's fun. Pretty sure litter is a bigger problem to wildlife than a few loud pops and bangs for 5 days out of 365. Or the toxic chemicals in all our water. In the grand scheme of things, a few pops and bangs is nothing. But yeah, ban everything. Ban cars too because more people die from them or go to A&E from them than fireworks every year.Even wildlife organisations don't want to ban them and think they can be used responsibly ... e.g. https://www.westsoundwildlife.org/wildlife/Coexisting/CO_Fireworks.htmlWhile fireworks can be dangerous to wildlife, it isn't necessary to completely eliminate these summer sensations from personal backyard parties. Enjoy them responsibly and keep the amazing local wildlife safe from harm.Even the RSPCA isn't asking for a ban, they want them sold from certain dates (which they already are)https://www.rspca.org.uk › RSPCA+Fireworks+briefing+(PDF+247KB).pdf

This petition is not asking for a total ban either.

It is asking for the 'Ban fireworks for general sale to the public.'
There are enough organised firework groups around for us to still enjoy fireworks safely

Edited by: "Emmalu" 4th Nov

deleted2172605

4th Nov

Emmalu04/11/2019 16:22
This petition is not asking for a total ban either.It is asking for the …This petition is not asking for a total ban either.It is asking for the 'Ban fireworks for general sale to the public.'There are enough organised firework groups around for us to still enjoy fireworks safely

which is effectively a ban. there are enough normal people who don't use them like idiots. or in areas with wildlife. I don't agree with the petition, or that people should only be able to use them at expensive organised events. Everyones offended by something these days. As I stated earlier, even RSPCA isn't asking to go this far in banning them, they want them to be used sensibly and offer sensible guidelines which I think are completely reasonable.

Edited by: "deleted2172605" 4th Nov

4th Nov

With around 40% of the UK dogs being scared.

Lmao, who did the polling?

4th Nov

deleted217260504/11/2019 16:00
it scares some kids too. but let's ban everything and wrap ourselves in …it scares some kids too. but let's ban everything and wrap ourselves in bubble wrap so nothing and nobody gets hurt. my god some people want to ruin everyone's fun. Pretty sure litter is a bigger problem to wildlife than a few loud pops and bangs for 5 days out of 365. Or the toxic chemicals in all our water. In the grand scheme of things, a few pops and bangs is nothing. But yeah, ban everything. Ban cars too because more people die from them or go to A&E from them than fireworks every year.Even wildlife organisations don't want to ban them and think they can be used responsibly ... e.g. https://www.westsoundwildlife.org/wildlife/Coexisting/CO_Fireworks.htmlWhile fireworks can be dangerous to wildlife, it isn't necessary to completely eliminate these summer sensations from personal backyard parties. Enjoy them responsibly and keep the amazing local wildlife safe from harm.Even the RSPCA isn't asking for a ban, they want them sold from certain dates (which they already are)https://www.rspca.org.uk › RSPCA+Fireworks+briefing+(PDF+247KB).pdf

Well, you need to calm down. Talk about overreacting.

If someone finds throwing litter fun, should we allow that though? What if someone likes putting toxic chemicals in water? See how silly the argument is that you’ve presented?

Also, transportation (like cars) are a necessity in the modern world. Why are fireworks a necessity again?

Anyway, for what it’s worth, I didn’t actually mention banning them in my comment, did I? I was just pointing out that this isn’t just about pets and does affect other animals so the logic of “pet owners are being selfish” is ridiculous. Even more so considering you’ve just literally presented a thoroughly selfish argument just now, because you fear losing your “pops and bangs” in your back garden.

I actually agree with the RSPCA. They want more than you’ve listed though. They also want to limit the maximum noise level of the fireworks. A nice middle ground I think.

4th Nov

andypolack04/11/2019 16:28
With around 40% of the UK dogs being scared. Lmao, who did the polling?

deleted2172605

4th Nov

Biddy204/11/2019 17:00
Well, you need to calm down. Talk about overreacting. If someone …Well, you need to calm down. Talk about overreacting. If someone finds throwing litter fun, should we allow that though? What if someone likes putting toxic chemicals in water? See how silly the argument is that you’ve presented?Also, transportation (like cars) are a necessity in the modern world. Why are fireworks a necessity again? Anyway, for what it’s worth, I didn’t actually mention banning them in my comment, did I? I was just pointing out that this isn’t just about pets and does affect other animals so the logic of “pet owners are being selfish” is ridiculous. Even more so considering you’ve just literally presented a thoroughly selfish argument just now, because you fear losing your “pops and bangs” in your back garden. I actually agree with the RSPCA. They want more than you’ve listed though. They also want to limit the maximum noise level of the fireworks. A nice middle ground I think.

I'm perfectly calm thanks. I said litter was more of a danger to the wildlife, you somehow turned that into making litter throwing legal if someone liked it. Transportation by car is not a necessity for many people, that's what public transport is for. MY argument wasn't selfish because i'm not trying to ban things that millions of people find fun and is a part of many different culturues including our own and the Chinese, and the Indians. That argument isn't selfish to want to preserve a tradition when some people want to just ban things because they don't agree with them.

I also agree with the RSPCA and yes they do want more than I quoted, that's why I gave the source I'm also in favour of ones that don't make loud bangs. There are actually silent fireworks, I also don't mind the loud ones but I'd agree in a middle ground. We can go around calling each others points this and that, or we can find some kind of compromise instead of lets ban them all and only expensive displays will be permitted...

Edited by: "deleted2172605" 4th Nov

4th Nov

deleted217260504/11/2019 17:21
I'm perfectly calm thanks. I said litter was more of a danger to the …I'm perfectly calm thanks. I said litter was more of a danger to the wildlife, you somehow turned that into making litter throwing legal if someone liked it. Transportation by car is not a necessity for many people, that's what public transport is for. MY argument wasn't selfish because i'm not trying to ban things that millions of people find fun and is a part of many different culturues including our own and the Chinese, and the Indians. That argument isn't selfish to want to preserve a tradition when some people want to just ban things because they don't agree with them. I also agree with the RSPCA and yes they do want more than I quoted, that's why I gave the source I'm also in favour of ones that don't make loud bangs. There are actually silent fireworks, I also don't mind the loud ones but I'd agree in a middle ground. We can go around calling each others points this and that, or we can find some kind of compromise instead of lets ban them all and only expensive displays will be permitted...

The RSPCA definitely seem to be the most sane in it all to be honest. Limit timescale of sales and reduce the noise output seems the best middle ground to please everyone.

Still leaves the issue of animals picking the debris up, but that’s probably not all that common in all honesty.

ThIs country (now more than ever) needs to learn to compromise to be honest. There’s too much of the whole “it’s my way or no way” attitude these days.

4th Nov

Emmalu04/11/2019 16:06
Standards for petitions

I've given you examples of petitions breaking that rule so linking that page is no rebuttal.

Ok, let's do so more basic fact checking. A search for 4,436 Firework injuries reveals that figure has been floating around for at least a year, e.g. here is an article from a year ago:
highspeedtraining.co.uk/hub…ce/

So it's wrong to state that's the number of injuries in the last year. Either that or the accidents in the last year are exactly the same as in the year before and they're not increasing.

Doing a bit more digging the figures appear to come from the NHS statistics here:
digital.nhs.uk/dat…ity

And the 2018/2019 figures? 1,936 Firework injuries (Table 16).

Granted that's a unexpectedly large drop so it may be down to the way data was collected. If we look at the older figures what trend do we see?

2013-2014 4,434
2014-2015 4,506
2015-2016 5,224
2016-2017 5,340
2017-2018 4,436

I'm suspecting the 2009-2010 figure was collected under a different classification scheme too and is probably more comparable to the 2018-2019 figures.

So much for 'no false statements'

Edited by: "EndlessWaves" 4th Nov

deleted2172605

4th Nov

Biddy204/11/2019 17:40
The RSPCA definitely seem to be the most sane in it all to be honest. …The RSPCA definitely seem to be the most sane in it all to be honest. Limit timescale of sales and reduce the noise output seems the best middle ground to please everyone. Still leaves the issue of animals picking the debris up, but that’s probably not all that common in all honesty. ThIs country (now more than ever) needs to learn to compromise to be honest. There’s too much of the whole “it’s my way or no way” attitude these days.

agreed. let's just be sensible about it. bans on things that have existed forever rarely go down well. Just make them not so loud, sold only at reasonable times, used during reasonable times and not used idiotically. Let's just be reasonable about it. Cheers. Good points.

4th Nov

andypolack04/11/2019 16:28
With around 40% of the UK dogs being scared. Lmao, who did the polling?

Biddy204/11/2019 17:01
[Image]

A newshound.

4th Nov

Is this petition is really for parliament to argue on fireworks??
Seriously did the petitioner skipped the fact about new year fireworks by government.. that’s fishy

4th Nov

Emmalu04/11/2019 13:39
[Image] In the original petition statement, in the link that was provided …[Image] In the original petition statement, in the link that was provided initially .I don't use Facebook .

Nope only covers humans in A&E ie ONE THIRD of the matter, ..also ICE vehicle particulate is damaging 24/7 365, why not focus on that? ..badly written, if you are going to offer an argument have the facts to hand for validation.

How many animals are made sick, injured etc??? ...otherwise its just speculative B.S. with little to no merit.
Fact is that big displays cause the most noise, generally piled up dross for burning... so the whole thing needs clarity & thought rather than facebook fish wifeyness of whoever instigated the petition.

Edited by: "Mr_Gus" 4th Nov

4th Nov

Emmalu04/11/2019 15:40
The government will not accept a petition if it contains false …The government will not accept a petition if it contains false statements. This petition was accepted.

But it may soon be kicked out (because its badly written & misleading).

4th Nov

Currently there are 224,729 signatures and counting so will be considered for a debate in Parliament.

deleted2172605

5th Nov

Mr_Gus04/11/2019 21:08
But it may soon be kicked out (because its badly written & misleading).

it's going to get kicked out anyway. because surprisingly, or not, 200k people is significantly less than 66 million. Because a minority want to ban it doesn't make it so. The "cancel A50" petition got 6 MILLION votes.... it still didn't pass.

5th Nov

By having our dogs on the bed with us, relaxed, the dogs have always relaxed through them, no transfer of anxiety / concern, just reassurance, ..has worked for all our dogs, & cat, except one boxer dog who just loved watching firework displays (& chasing police cars).

5th Nov

Emmalu04/11/2019 23:29
Currently there are 224,729 signatures and counting so will be considered …Currently there are 224,729 signatures and counting so will be considered for a debate in Parliament.

No it won't . ALL petitions are being closed due to the election

5th Nov

"Should The Selling of Fireworks be Banned?" (@chimp14uk; 5 November 2019)

5th Nov

myusernamehasgone23403/11/2019 20:16
If it saves just one child from permanent disfigurement I would be happy, …If it saves just one child from permanent disfigurement I would be happy, I’m not too fussed about the noise.

naturally you also want to ban cars, bleach, alcohol, BBQs etc as well?

5th Nov

adamspencer9505/11/2019 08:37
naturally you also want to ban cars, bleach, alcohol, BBQs etc as well?

all these actually useful though. fireworks are not.

5th Nov

adamspencer9505/11/2019 08:37
naturally you also want to ban cars, bleach, alcohol, BBQs etc as well?

I’ll refer you to my previous answer

myusernamehasgone23404/11/2019 09:29
Probably not by percent use wise though. How many fireworks are used …Probably not by percent use wise though. How many fireworks are used compared with the others and how many injuries occur.Fireworks are used far less frequently than all those things you mentioned generally one night of the yearI don’t have evidence to back this up however.It just seems silly to me in this day and age where everyone is so safety conscious we allow the legal sale of essentially explosives that can cause great harm.I mean they have label peanuts with may contain nuts as people seem to have zero common sense.

5th Nov

adamspencer9505/11/2019 08:37
naturally you also want to ban cars, bleach, alcohol, BBQs etc as well?

All those items are used all the time fireworks are used Nov 5th and New year so not a like for like comparison really either.

5th Nov

myusernamehasgone23405/11/2019 09:32
All those items are used all the time fireworks are used Nov 5th and New …All those items are used all the time fireworks are used Nov 5th and New year so not a like for like comparison really either.

all the more reason to allow occasional use of fireworks, no?

5th Nov

EastofWest05/11/2019 08:45
all these actually useful though. fireworks are not.

that's personal opinion, not factual.

5th Nov

myusernamehasgone23404/11/2019 09:29
Probably not by percent use wise though. How many fireworks are used …Probably not by percent use wise though. How many fireworks are used compared with the others and how many injuries occur.Fireworks are used far less frequently than all those things you mentioned generally one night of the yearI don’t have evidence to back this up however.It just seems silly to me in this day and age where everyone is so safety conscious we allow the legal sale of essentially explosives that can cause great harm.I mean they have label peanuts with may contain nuts as people seem to have zero common sense.

petrol is freely available which can cause just as much damage if mis-used

if you count all the planned firework displays then I would guess that the percentage value isn't that far off the others in your list.

5th Nov

Hi. Signed. My mum and dads dog has been a nervous wreck for a week. She lies there shaking like she is fitting. I bloody well hate these things.

5th Nov

adamspencer9505/11/2019 09:37
petrol is freely available which can cause just as much damage if …petrol is freely available which can cause just as much damage if mis-usedif you count all the planned firework displays then I would guess that the percentage value isn't that far off the others in your list.

adamspencer9505/11/2019 09:34
all the more reason to allow occasional use of fireworks, no?

For me no, not when there are some many organised displays for people to attend.

I think it is easy for people to misuse fireworks perhaps due to unfamiliarity only using them once a year. Even with out misuse they can be dangerous

This is just my opinion.

Everyones life experiences are different.

My son was almost hit in the face by one that didn’t fire upwards proper, instead whizzed passed him so closely the sparks hit his face, thankfully not the whole firework.

I’m afraid I don’t think you will be able to make me change my views.

Edited by: "myusernamehasgone234" 5th Nov

5th Nov

myusernamehasgone23405/11/2019 09:45
For me no, not when there are some many organised displays for people to …For me no, not when there are some many organised displays for people to attend.I think it is easy for people to misuse fireworks perhaps due to unfamiliarity only using them once a year. Even with out misuse they can be dangerous This is just my opinion.Everyones life experiences are different.My son was almost hit in the face by one that didn’t fire upwards proper, instead whizzed passed him so closely the sparks hit his face, thankfully not the whole firework.I’m afraid I don’t think you will be able to make me change my views.

probably not

but that's the point - its your views

what logic is there to ban everyone else doing what they enjoy just to fit in with your views?

5th Nov

adamspencer9505/11/2019 10:08
probably notbut that's the point - its your viewswhat logic is there to …probably notbut that's the point - its your viewswhat logic is there to ban everyone else doing what they enjoy just to fit in with your views?

Because looking at the petition signatures I’m not the only person wanting them banned.

I don’t know why you have decided to single me out.

Why not have a go at those who want them banned not to disturb their pets.

5th Nov

I'd vote for any political party that ran on banning the sale of fireworks.

5th Nov

Make.Amazon.Great.Again05/11/2019 10:16
I'd vote for any political party that ran on banning the sale of fireworks.

How daft.

5th Nov

adamspencer9505/11/2019 08:37
naturally you also want to ban cars, bleach, alcohol, BBQs etc as well?

Good point.

A bleach & alcohol BBQ in a car sounds way more dangerous than a few sparklers.

myusernamehasgone23405/11/2019 10:11
Because looking at the petition signatures I’m not the only person wanting …Because looking at the petition signatures I’m not the only person wanting them banned...

As a percentage of the UK population being counted how does this petition compare with, say, those that expressed an opinion about banning smoking in places of employment, or animals not fouling footpaths, or reducing the speed of vehicles around schools, or placing warning labels on substances that should not be taken orally, or restrictions on what somebody can/cannot do after consuming alcohol, or even the use of barbecues in public recreation areas?

Yes, a petition may have up to 200,000 signatures but, without a widespread issue, backed-up by measurable statistics, until those expressing a desire to ban something represent a higher proportion of the entire population than those not in favour of this outcome, then nothing is going to change.

A significant detriment to the health/safety/well-being of the population would have to be proven to be overwhelmingly undeniable that the issue could be taken seriously.

That does not mean it is not a serious issue to those impacted, though.

I agree that fireworks upset animals or infants. I have had pets that were worried for a few minutes, & others that would be stressed for hours, if not days, in the lead-up & aftermath of 5 November, & other dates in a typical year. Equally, I have had pets that have shown no concern at all. None of my family have ever had an issue with the noise, but I appreciate other members of society are upset by the noise.

I agree that fireworks may cause serious injuries, even under strict supervision & exercising all reasonable caution (even though somebody being in the presence of a firework display is, of course, increasing their chance of sustaining an injury due to the use of fireworks; just like your chance of dying on-board an aeroplane is greatly reduced if you never board one).

You (& I am not specifically meaning you, @myusernamehasgone234; those that have signed the petition) need to look at the problem on balance with other issues.

How serious is this problem in contrast with every other potential issue that requires attention?

5th Nov

"Let's ban selling fireworks to the public because it scares animals and accidents happen, but let's carry on allowing public displays which also scare animals and where accidents also happen"

‌

5th Nov

PhilKelix205/11/2019 10:49
"Let's ban selling fireworks to the public because it scares animals and …"Let's ban selling fireworks to the public because it scares animals and accidents happen, but let's carry on allowing public displays which also scare animals and where accidents also happen"

@Make.Amazon.Great.Again would vote for that, apparently.

5th Nov

adamspencer9505/11/2019 09:34
that's personal opinion, not factual.

i disagree with your comparison. fireworks are more like guns and cars, than alcohol and BBQs.

guns and cars are illegal or tightly regulated which is what we are asking for

Edited by: "EastofWest" 5th Nov

5th Nov

EastofWest05/11/2019 10:57
i disagree with your comparison. fireworks are more like guns and cars, …i disagree with your comparison. fireworks are more like guns and cars, than alcohol and BBQs.guns and cars are illegal or tightly regulated which is what we are asking for

how?

a BBQ can be just as dangerous and can ignite nearby items causing massive fires, easily capable of serious injury or death.

alcohol can kill in a very short time if abused, much like fireworks.

the point is there are hundreds of things which cause harm - cant go round banning them all, and the selection of some but not others is counter-intuitive.

5th Nov

adamspencer9505/11/2019 11:01
how?a BBQ can be just as dangerous and can ignite nearby items causing …how?a BBQ can be just as dangerous and can ignite nearby items causing massive fires, easily capable of serious injury or death.alcohol can kill in a very short time if abused, much like fireworks.the point is there are hundreds of things which cause harm - cant go round banning them all, and the selection of some but not others is counter-intuitive.

some harmful things are banned and some are not. we don't throw the baby out with the bathwater as a society.

should we just make guns legal then because some other harmful things are legal? of course not there is nuance to these things