The sale of fireworks
Petitions debate
The petitions
In January 2026, MPs debated two petitions about fireworks regulation.
The first petition, which was started by Robert Branch, called on the Government to limit the sale of fireworks to those running local council approved events only. It received 195,930 signatures and and closed on 20 February 2026.
The second petition, which was started by Helen Whitelegg, called on the Government to reduce the maximum noise level for consumer fireworks from 120 to 90 decibels. It received 184,376 signatures and closed on 4 March 2026.
Petitions debate
The Petitions Committee scheduled a debate on the petitions in Westminster Hall.
It was led by Robbie Moore MP on Monday 19 January 2026.
At the beginning of the debate, Robbie highlighted the level of public support for proposals to restrict the sale of fireworks:
"It is clear that public support for change is overwhelming. In this place, Members of Parliament across the political spectrum support calls for change, yet here we are again, debating this important issue. That should be a clear and loud message to Ministers to act right now."
He went on to highlight the impact that fireworks can have on adults and children, and how reducing the legal noise limit of fireworks could benefit animals and local residents:
"It is not just animals that suffer from the antisocial use of fireworks; many veterans can suffer attacks of post-traumatic stress disorder when fireworks are let off, deeply damaging their mental health.
"Vulnerable children and adults can also be confused and intimidated by fireworks. There is nothing more frustrating for a working family than being kept up all night by a constant stream of fireworks. I am seeing that in my own constituency of Keighley."
"It is completely reasonable to suggest reducing noise levels to something more considerate—indeed, 85 dB is the threshold at which humans experience hearing damage.
"Reducing noise would mean that private fireworks displays could continue, but with be a reduced risk of distressing animals or inconveniencing neighbours."
Government response
The Minister for Employment Rights and Consumer Protection, Katie Dearden MP, responded to the debate on behalf of the Government.
She began by thanking Members for attending the debate and stated:
"It has been an interesting debate. It is one of the longest and most well attended debates that I have been to, not only since I was appointed to this role but since I was elected.
"That shows the strength of feeling on both sides of the House. I thank hon. Members for representing their constituents."
The Minister recognised the role of fireworks in festivities across the UK, and stated that her aim as Minister was to balance minimising the negative impact of fireworks and ensuring they could continue to be used responsibly for celebrations.
The Minister outlined the Government's policies to counter any negative impacts of fireworks:
- Permitting local trading standards and fire & rescue authorities in metropolitan counties to take action against those storing or selling fireworks without an appropriate licence.
- Working with the Health and Safety Executive and local authorities to take action against anyone who imports or sells fireworks illegally in the UK.
- Launching a public campaign which promotes their considerate and safe us during firework season.
- Supporting the work of council officers and police community support officers to combat any dangerous misuse of fireworks.
The petition creators' response
"It was a very empowering and encouraging experience to attend such a well-supported and passionate debate in Westminster and know that an individual can bring an important issue to this level of discussion before a government minister.
"The petition brought together the views of more than 180,000 ordinary people from all corners of the UK, reflecting the value of petitions as part of our democracy.
"The support from the Petitions Committee was very much appreciated and further opportunities for conversations with parliamentarians and the Department for Business and Trade have been triggered by the debate."
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