All incidents involving horses INCLUDING FIREWORKS, can now be reported quickly and easily using the BHS app – Horse i. You will receive a confirmation email with a case number for every report.

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The BHS launches a new app that enables equestrians to report their incidents

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The British Horse Society has released a new app that enables equestrians to quickly and easily submit details of incidents that have negatively affected their safety.

The free of charge new app, ‘Horse i’, has been specifically designed to empower equestrians to immediately report any incidents they encounter directly to the BHS via a simple, easy-to-use interface.

 
DOWNLOAD OUR NEW APP – HORSE i

What is an incident?

An incident is classed as an unplanned event that has resulted in a human or horse feeling unsafe (e.g. road rage), or that has the potential to cause injury (a near miss), or that has already caused injury. Equestrians can report problems with:

• a road/off-road user
• dogs
• slippery road surfaces
• low flying aircraft or nuisance drones
• fireworks

Reporting your incident

The app records details of the incident, including the location, date and time, any injuries sustained, vet treatment required, as well as if any other agencies are involved, such as the Police or Civil Aviation Authority. An incident report can be submitted via the time-saving new tool in less than three minutes, although there is also the facility for the user to take the time to add in any supporting detail if they wish.

The BHS hope that the app will equip and encourage many more equestrians to report incidents to the BHS, enabling the charity to use the data to support its campaigns to improve equestrian safety.

Equestrians who do not use smart phones can record incidents via our online form on our website.

BHS Director of Safety Alan Hiscox says: “We know that only 1 in 10 people report incidents to us which is why we have produced this simple-to-use app, which enable equestrians to report any incident that encounter. Most people want to report an incident to the BHS as soon as it happens, so this app makes it much easier to log what’s happened to you and your horse the moment you return to the yard when the detail is still fresh in your mind. Increasing the number of incidents that are logged with the BHS is a key priority for us in order to create a safer environment for equestrians, as we can act more effectively with better data.”

The Google firework log wasn’t cutting it so we made a new and improved version. It is very easy and straightforward. Please log all fireworks you hear from your home. We would like to get a picture of firework use across the country and all year. You do not have to log at the time of fireworks, see to your relatives and animals first. You can make a note and log them whenever you have time. Don’t forget though… Thank you for your support.

On 2nd November 2020 (02-11-20) the UK Government will debate the 2019 firework petition which was stopped early for the General Election with 305,579 signatures. WRITE TO YOUR MP

The 2020 petition is fast approaching 50,000 please continue to sign and share it, click here

The petition and the government response is below. The Government in 2018 responded to our 2018 petition saying they would gather evidence for a ‘fact-based evidence base’. This is due to be released soon. We at FAB will be interested to see what ‘facts’ they have uncovered about the amount of anxiety and distress that is caused by random/unexpected fireworks. There is nowhere to report such distress and it is difficult to find anywhere to report a legal act .. Fireworks are legal for 16hrs of every day 365 days a year. It is this lax and outdated law that must change. It is not (as the Government says) an equitable balance between those that enjoy fireworks and those that don’t.

Please continue to write to your MPs and continue to sign and share the 2020 petition which we believe would make a massive difference to all affected by the overuse of fireworks. Read why we believe LICENSING WILL WORK

Ban fireworks for general sale to the public.

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!More details

The noise from fireworks causes a great amount of fear, stress and anxiety in wild animals. … Errant fireworks can also cause environmental damage though fires, and from the release of poisonous chemicals and particle-laden smoke, which is not just inhaled by wildlife, but contaminates the natural environment.
In England last year, 4,436 individuals attended A&E because of an injury caused by a firework – more than double the 2,141 in 2009/10.
With around 40% of the UKs dogs being scared.

This petition closed early because of a General Election Find out more on the Petitions Committee website

305,579 signatures

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Parliament will debate this petition

Parliament will debate this petition on 2 November 2020.

You’ll be able to watch online on the UK Parliament YouTube channel.

Government responded

This response was given on 5 November 2019

The Government takes the matter of fireworks safety seriously. This includes protecting consumers and the public. Laws are in place to control firework availability and use.

The Government recognises that many people have strong feelings about fireworks, and the potential negative impact they can have on a community, for example, by causing distress to individuals or animals.
However, we believe that the majority of people who use fireworks do so appropriately and have a sensible and responsible attitude towards them. We consider it a minority of people who use fireworks in a dangerous, inconsiderate or anti-social manner.
The current legislative framework for fireworks aims to reduce the risks to people and disturbance to animals. Legislation ensures products being placed on the UK market meet essential safety requirements. It also controls the storage, sale and use of fireworks including where and when fireworks can be sold, when they can be set off and by whom, and sets maximum noise levels. For example, legislation allows retailers to sell consumer fireworks during the traditional firework periods of: 15th October to 10th November (inclusive); the 3 days prior to and including the first day of Chinese New Year and Diwali; and 26th December to New Year’s Eve (inclusive). But retailers may only supply fireworks outside these periods if they obtain a licence from their local authority.
In addition, enforcement mechanisms are in place to tackle those situations when fireworks are sold illegally or misused. There are a range of penalties for breaching legal requirements, including, in certain circumstances, imprisonment. The police and local authorities have powers to tackle anti-social behaviour, where it arises, caused by the misuse of fireworks.
The Government recognises the strength of feeling around the use and misuse of fireworks and has listened to the concerns raised in parliamentary debate and wider discussion. We receive representations from a wide range of stakeholders, including members of the public, organisations and charities, with wide-ranging views on what the issues are and what action they would like to see.
Following the Westminster Hall debate on 26 November 2018 regarding fireworks, the Minister with responsibility for fireworks policy and legislation in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Kelly Tolhurst MP, asked the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) to develop a fact-based evidence base on the key issues that had been raised. This includes looking for data around noise and disturbance, anti-social behaviour, non-compliance, environmental impact, and the impact on humans and animals. As part of this work we are considering the findings of the Scottish Government consultation on fireworks, which was published on 4th October. We will also consider the House of Commons Petitions Committee inquiry on fireworks once that has reported.
The aim of the evidence base is to build a full picture of the data around fireworks in order for government to identify whether there is a problem, and if so, what action – if any – is appropriate. This work will also help us identify trends across fireworks seasons and determine whether, there has (for example), been an increase in fireworks being set off or an increase in firework related injuries.
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

WRITE TO YOUR MP PLEASE, tell them about debate and explain how you feel about fireworks.. .. writetothem.com

This petition 276425 is due to be debated on November 2nd 2020 in Westminster Hall, UK Parliament

Ban fireworks for general sale to the public.

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!More details

The noise from fireworks causes a great amount of fear, stress and anxiety in wild animals. … Errant fireworks can also cause environmental damage though fires, and from the release of poisonous chemicals and particle-laden smoke, which is not just inhaled by wildlife, but contaminates the natural environment.
In England last year, 4,436 individuals attended A&E because of an injury caused by a firework – more than double the 2,141 in 2009/10.
With around 40% of the UKs dogs being scared.

This petition closed early because of a General ElectionFind out more on the Petitions Committee website

305,579 signatures

Show on a map

Parliament will debate this petition

Parliament will debate this petition on 2 November 2020.

You’ll be able to watch online on the UK Parliament YouTube channel.

Government responded

This response was given on 5 November 2019

The Government takes the matter of fireworks safety seriously. This includes protecting consumers and the public. Laws are in place to control firework availability and use.

The Government recognises that many people have strong feelings about fireworks, and the potential negative impact they can have on a community, for example, by causing distress to individuals or animals.
However, we believe that the majority of people who use fireworks do so appropriately and have a sensible and responsible attitude towards them. We consider it a minority of people who use fireworks in a dangerous, inconsiderate or anti-social manner.
The current legislative framework for fireworks aims to reduce the risks to people and disturbance to animals. Legislation ensures products being placed on the UK market meet essential safety requirements. It also controls the storage, sale and use of fireworks including where and when fireworks can be sold, when they can be set off and by whom, and sets maximum noise levels. For example, legislation allows retailers to sell consumer fireworks during the traditional firework periods of: 15th October to 10th November (inclusive); the 3 days prior to and including the first day of Chinese New Year and Diwali; and 26th December to New Year’s Eve (inclusive). But retailers may only supply fireworks outside these periods if they obtain a licence from their local authority.
In addition, enforcement mechanisms are in place to tackle those situations when fireworks are sold illegally or misused. There are a range of penalties for breaching legal requirements, including, in certain circumstances, imprisonment. The police and local authorities have powers to tackle anti-social behaviour, where it arises, caused by the misuse of fireworks.
The Government recognises the strength of feeling around the use and misuse of fireworks and has listened to the concerns raised in parliamentary debate and wider discussion. We receive representations from a wide range of stakeholders, including members of the public, organisations and charities, with wide-ranging views on what the issues are and what action they would like to see.
Following the Westminster Hall debate on 26 November 2018 regarding fireworks, the Minister with responsibility for fireworks policy and legislation in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Kelly Tolhurst MP, asked the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) to develop a fact-based evidence base on the key issues that had been raised. This includes looking for data around noise and disturbance, anti-social behaviour, non-compliance, environmental impact, and the impact on humans and animals. As part of this work we are considering the findings of the Scottish Government consultation on fireworks, which was published on 4th October. We will also consider the House of Commons Petitions Committee inquiry on fireworks once that has reported.
The aim of the evidence base is to build a full picture of the data around fireworks in order for government to identify whether there is a problem, and if so, what action – if any – is appropriate. This work will also help us identify trends across fireworks seasons and determine whether, there has (for example), been an increase in fireworks being set off or an increase in firework related injuries.
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

A government select committee, The Petitions Committee, carried out an extensive inquiry into fireworks, which ran from February to November 2019. The Committee asked for evidence on the balance and effectiveness of existing legislation, the role and safety of public and private displays, and the needs of particular groups (such as veterans and people with disabilities), and animals. They received written and oral evidence representing a range of stakeholders, including from members of the public, representative bodies, organisations and charities, all with varying views on fireworks.

The Committee’s final report, published on 5 November 2019, concluded that they could not support a ban on the public buying and using fireworks. Their reasoning for no further legislative action was varied.

The committee stated however, that the “inconsiderate and irresponsible” use of fireworks should be considered as socially unacceptable as drink-driving.

Considering this, FAB petitioned with a radical new approach which would overcome all the Government’s reasons not to change legislation.

2020 Petition

Limit the Sale and Use of Fireworks to Organisers of Licensed Displays Only

Current legislation allows for public use of fireworks 16 hours a day, every day, making it impossible for vulnerable groups to take precautions against the distress they can cause. Better enforcement of existing law is insufficient; limiting their sale & use to licensed displays only is necessary.

Restrictions on the sale & use of fireworks has huge public support and is backed by several human and animal charities. Limiting the sale & use of fireworks to displays only, by introducing licensing via local authorities, would help to protect vulnerable people and animals from the distress and anxiety caused by unexpected firework noise & pollution. Legislation that balances people’s desires for firework displays, and individual rights to not be distressed throughout the year, is needed now.

Click here to read the petition

HOW WE SEE THIS WORKING...

FAB firework campaign believe that ALL fireworks used in the UK should require the user to obtain a licence. This was also put forward by multiple MPs during the debate of petition number 276425 on 2nd November 2020.

The licence only needs to cost what it costs to process online. So a very small amount.

The licence will have to be shown and the number recorded when buying fireworks, from year round licensed firework retailers.  It has been suggested that supermarkets, corner shops etc stop selling them.

The process for obtaining a licence could be the same as alcohol/music licences. From the councils’ perspective, it would need to add a few more questions to the existing form.

The conditions of licence could include:

1. Insurance if in public space ie town fireworks, scouts, etc anywhere other than your own back garden.

2. Advertisements

3. A signed assurance to confirm the site intended to be used is big enough for fireworks and not close to a road/animal rescue/stables/field with animals etc.

THE BENEFITS which will counter the Committee’s reasoning for no further legislative action and the Government’s reply to the petition at 10,000 signatures:

1. There would be no effects on community groups and fundraising.

2. Firework sales will continue as before with no economic effect on the firework industry or its employees.

3. There will be no need for any concerns regarding black market sales, communities and cultural use.

Further benefits of a licensing system:

1.People who do not like fireworks for whatever reason will have advance notice and can take evasive action or prepare, likewise pet owners.

2. Unlike a ban, charities will be able to hold their events subject to the licensing conditions.

3. Fireworks could be tracked and traced if bar coded and recorded when sold.

4. One person would be held responsible should there be any infringement of the conditions.

5. Licences can be refused or revoked if necessary.

The firework industry is amongst the most highly regulated industries. However that is only true regarding manufacture/storage and sales. This new approach would also regulate the USE of fireworks.

Moreover,  it would allow firework use by those who enjoy them whilst allowing people and pet owners to prepare and not be taken by surprise.

AND FINALLY, from the Government reply.

The government has committed to take further action to promote the safe and considerate use of fireworks and the actions will include:

Developing a public awareness campaign on the safe use of fireworks;  

Public awareness campaigns do NOT cause changed behaviour in people, therefore some who enjoy fireworks will not consider their neighbours as some do not consider them now. Think seatbelts (had to be made law). Think guns/knives/acid/glue. No government awareness campaign works, so laws are needed.

Engaging with animal charities to further discuss their work related to animal welfare issues;

Animal charities cannot help the horses in the field scared by fireworks or dogs that slip their lead when random fireworks go off.

Engaging with Local Authorities to understand the issues they face with regard to fireworks;

Like many statutory agencies, Local Authorities will not have had many complaints regarding fireworks. One reason could be that there is no process by which to complain. Another reason could be that it is difficult to complain about something that is legal 16 hrs a day 365 days a year. Where would a legal act be recorded?

Engaging with the fireworks industry to discuss any additional action they might take to address the concerns raised around fireworks packaging appealing to underage individuals.

These actions show that the Government has been listening to the concerns that have been raised about fireworks and that work is continuing.

We don’t believe the government has been listening. We don’t believe they understand about firework use at random times throughout the year. We don’t believe they have considered pet owners and people who are adversely affected by random fireworks.

So all in all, the Government reply was inadequate at best and based on incorrect supposition.

We shall carry on! Join or follow FAB, on Facebook on Twitter

THE LONG AWAITED LATEST FIREWORK PETITION. from FAB

Please share to all your contacts.. if you can write something to put with it…like……. I know it is out of season but this will prove it is not a kneejerk reaction and we have problems all year with random fireworks. https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/319891

Limit the Sale and Use of Fireworks to Organisers of Licensed Displays Only

Current legislation allows for public use of fireworks 16 hours a day, every day, making it impossible for vulnerable groups to take precautions against the distress they can cause. Better enforcement of existing law is insufficient; limiting their sale & use to licensed displays only is necessary.

Restrictions on the sale & use of fireworks has huge public support and is backed by several human and animal charities. Limiting the sale & use of fireworks to displays only, by introducing licensing via local authorities, would help to protect vulnerable people and animals from the distress and anxiety caused by unexpected firework noise & pollution. Legislation that balances people’s desires for firework displays, and individual rights to not be distressed throughout the year, is needed now.Sign this petition

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At 100,000 signatures, this petition will be considered for debate in Parliament

Remember to verify your signature in your emails.

We really need this on to blow their socks off so please do your best with this one.. It’s our best yet 😉

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/319891

REPLY FROM OPSS

We have received a  reply from OPSS following  the hand in of the the change.org petition. This petition is still running and has close to 379,000 signatures. We would love  more so please make sure you have signed and shared.  Here is the reply Julie Doorne Response Letter Fireworks Petition FINAL (002)

 

CLOSING OF FACEBOOK GROUP

A decision was made to close the FB group. We all felt it had done it’s job and having achieved three debates there was not much more we could do on that score.  It has been archived so is still visible to members but unless there is some very big news there will be no new  comments or posts. The page will remain open for the time being but with slightly less admin attention.

This website will be kept open so check in/follow/subscribe, whatever you need to do to stay in the loop. Any news will be posted on here too.

We should say a massive thank you to everyone who supported the facebook campaign, obviously without you it would have been four women sitting at their own kitchen tables just talking to each other on messenger!  So thank you.

Although the FB group has closed that doesn’t mean FAB have shut up shop and gone away. Just taking  back a bit of space in our lives.

 

PETITIONS COMMITTEE INQUIRY

UPDATE.  The petitions committee asked me to speak at the inquiry which will be on June 11th 2019. Sadly I will not be in the country, Sue Kerr an admin from FAB is going to attend for us. I have heard from the committee and they are saying they will have their report ready before the 5th November this year. Very excited to see the outcome of our campaign.

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As I hope you all know, the Petitions Committee called for an inquiry into firework use. Thank goodness someone in government took us seriously.  They asked for submissions from interested parties and to date there are 327. If you would like to view them here is the link.

The actual inquiry is on June 11th. I was invited to speak but sadly I am in Montana. Sue Kerr is going to speak on FABs behalf , thankfully,  it was a chance we couldn’t miss!. If you want to watch that inquiry it will more than likely be on Parliament TV. Look at this link closer to the date.

It is too late to send in a submission but you could always write to your MP, especially if they happen to be on the petitions committee. Even if they are not…. writetothem.com

It would be good to remind your MPs what it is about fireworks that cause you distress, it will be an especially  good idea to do it in the summer, they tend to think most of the problems are knee jerk reactions. This obviously won’t be the case with a letter in May!

 

•  Helen Jones (chair)
•  Martyn Day   Michelle DonelanSteve Double
• Luke Hall Mike Hill  Catherine McKinnellDamien Moore
• Paul ScullyLiz TwistDaniel Zeichner

 

Please stay tuned for any updates.. so long for now…

I am beyond excited about this. To be honest I didn’t think we would get another debate. The time before last time we achieved over the 100,000 they refused a debate as they said they had not long had one on same subject.. NOW we have two in the same year.

THEY MUST HAVE REALISED IT IS IMPORTANT TO SO MANY PEOPLE 

SO now we have to gather the information to send to MPs and rally our support .

Firstly, even if you have written recently to your MP, please just drop them a quick email to remind them the debate is on 26th November 2018 at 4.30 in Westminster Hall.  It is big in our world but not in theirs, so a gentle reminder is in order.  You can email on writetothem.com .It is very quick and easy, takes minutes and costs you nothing.

Secondly, I am going, next week to hand over the change.org petition and I would really love some support. If you can get to Birmingham it would be great to see you all. Date and time tba. I am hoping the media will be there, so you may get your pic in the paper..(make sure you haven’t gone sick from work..just in case.. awkward!)

This is all happening very quickly so don’t hang around, send your email, share the petition, the more signatures the better. Whip up as much support as possible…

Thank you for your continued support. Will put the handover time and date on the page.

See you there. 🙂   Julie