Fireworks

[Sue]

 

Just received this email:

You’re receiving this email because you signed the petition: “Limit the sale of fireworks to those running local council approved events only”.

The Government has responded to the petition you signed – “Limit the sale of fireworks to those running local council approved events only”.

Government responded:

The Government recognises the negative impact fireworks can have on some people and animals. However, when used responsibly they are a source of enjoyment for many people.

The Government’s intention is to minimise the negative impact of fireworks and to support their considerate use, while reducing the risks and disturbances to individuals, animals, and property. The majority of individuals who use fireworks do so in a responsible and safe manner and there are enforcement mechanisms in place to tackle situations when fireworks are misused.

At this point in time the Government does not have any plans to ban the sale of fireworks to consumers. We have launched a fireworks campaign for this fireworks season to provide guidance on minimising the impacts of fireworks on animal welfare and encouraging responsible use. Lower noise fireworks are promoted in the campaign alongside encouraging people to consider going to a public display. Public displays are more likely to be well-publicised, providing people with an opportunity to prepare ahead of the display taking place. The campaign also includes new guidance for those running community fireworks events, and social media posts that emphasise the risks from the misuse of fireworks. This supplements existing guidance from Government and other organisations that is available to help people to use fireworks safely and appropriately. My safety: fireworks - GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/my-safety-fireworks)

Organising non-professional fireworks displays - GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/organising-non-professional-fireworks-displays)

A regulatory framework currently controls the sale, availability, and use of fireworks to consumers. For example, there is an 11pm curfew in place for the use of fireworks, with later exceptions only for the traditional firework periods of November 5th, Diwali, New Year’s Eve and the Chinese New Year. Using fireworks outside the curfew hours is a criminal offence enforced by the police and can lead to imprisonment and a substantial fine. There is also a maximum noise level of 120 decibels with many retailers also offering ‘lower noise’ and ‘no bang’ fireworks.

A number of animal welfare organisations, along with industry and local authorities, provide advice and guidance to enable people to minimise the negative impacts of fireworks on people, animals and our communities. We work closely with these organisations to amplify this messaging in the run up to, and during, key dates when fireworks are commonly used. 

To inform any future action the Government will continue to engage with businesses, consumer groups and charities to gather evidence on the issues with and impacts of fireworks.

Department for Business and Trade

Click this link to view the response online:

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/732559?reveal_response=yes

This petition has over 100,000 signatures. The Petitions Committee will consider it for a debate. They can also gather further evidence and press the government for action.

The Committee is made up of 11 MPs, from political parties in government and in opposition. It is entirely independent of the Government. Find out more about the Committee: https://petition.parliament.uk/help#petitions-committee

Thanks,

The Petitions Team

House of Commons

[first mate]

Thanks for posting. Sounds like little will change then. I am not clear from the response if this will still go to debate or not. I hope it does. 

[first mate]

More fireworks tonight.

Seriously, there are going to be large numbers of domestic pets that will require medication for half the year at this rate. Heaven knows what it is doing to wildlife.

 

[SophieA]

On 20/11/2025 at 21:48, first mate said:

More fireworks tonight.

Seriously, there are going to be large numbers of domestic pets that will require medication for half the year at this rate. Heaven knows what it is doing to wildlife.

 

Some terrible ones up near the ED estate this evening. I had reported two lots of misuse to the council but was told last week “it’s not for them to deal with” it’s only for the police. I asked them why they had a fireworks misuse button on their website if it’s nothing to do with them - he couldn’t give me an answer. The Met aren’t gonna give two figs about local issues like this but I will try and go through the SN team. 

[first mate]

And here we go again. A nice booming bomb drop sounding explosion to kick things off.

Can anyone really remember a time when we had fireworks every week from September on? 

[NewWave]

Fireworks yesterday evening that scared our elderly cat and sent him hiding under our bed (his safe place). about 10 miniutes ago they started again.. another night of the cat lying terrifed under the bed.

Its so selfish and unfair!

[Sue]

 

27 minutes ago, SophieA said:

Some terrible ones up near the ED estate this evening. I had reported two lots of misuse to the council but was told last week “it’s not for them to deal with” it’s only for the police. I asked them why they had a fireworks misuse button on their website if it’s nothing to do with them - he couldn’t give me an answer. The Met aren’t gonna give two figs about local issues like this but I will try and go through the SN team. 

Does the Southwark noise team not still exist?

If it does, surely it must cover noise from fireworks?

Edited November 22 by Sue

[first mate]

Tuesday night, more fireworks and it is 11.33 pm, so an illegal display. 

[lindylou]

I'm sorry, but I have enough now. Just at the minute loud fireworks are going off . Why? It would appear that folks have money to burn. It's difficult to know the exact location, but this needs stopping now 

[Howie]

2 hours ago, lindylou said:

I'm sorry, but I have enough now. Just at the minute loud fireworks are going off . Why? It would appear that folks have money to burn. It's difficult to know the exact location, but this needs stopping now 

Where are they coming from? I’m getting sick to the back teeth of having to calm my pup, and subsequently calm my wee one when they get woken up.

[SophieA]

2 hours ago, lindylou said:

I'm sorry, but I have enough now. Just at the minute loud fireworks are going off . Why? It would appear that folks have money to burn. It's difficult to know the exact location, but this needs stopping now 

It’s terrible isn’t it. But it’s so hard to know what to do! I have signed petitions, written to our MP, and complained to Southwark - it doesn’t seem to do anything. My cat is hating it and I am so worried for all our local wildlife. Maybe there’s more that can be done if the community joins together on the issue?  

On 22/11/2025 at 19:47, Sue said:

 

Does the Southwark noise team not still exist?

If it does, surely it must cover noise from fireworks?

Maybe so - but they didn’t even want to talk to me about it. Said it was only for the police and hung up. Really shocking and very frustrating considering how much I hand them in service charges and council tax each month!

Edited 26 minutes ago by SophieA

[first mate]

If I was hearing the same thing it sounded more like a 62 gun salute. A monotonous but extremely loud bang, bang, bang. Whatever type of firework was used it seems to have been chosen for maximum noise. Intrusive and anti social.

9 minutes ago, SophieA said:

Maybe so - but they didn’t even want to talk to me about it. Said it was only for the police and hung up. Really shocking and very frustrating considering how much I hand them in service charges and council tax each month!

Maybe take it to your local councillor. We are now at a stage that fireworks have been let off multiple times a week since September, sometimes well after 11pm. It is out of control.

Edited 18 minutes ago by first mate