On Wednesday 17 June 2026 Patricia Ferguson, presented a Bill to make provision about fireworks; and for connected purposes. The Bill was supported by:
The Bill will be read a second time on Friday 4 December 2026
Fireworks Bill: 17 Jun 2026: House of Commons debates – TheyWorkForYou
A campaign is more than posting on social media. Over the years we’ve built up a working relationship with MPs, charities and others who all want better firework regulations. We’ve put together a list of supportive MPs and how they’ve supported the campaign. You can see it here
The firework debate took place in Westminster Hall on Monday 19 January 2026, lead by Robbie Moore, with strong and thoughtful contributions from MPs across the House.
Compared with previous debates, this session represented a clear shift. The hall was noticeably fuller, the arguments were more evidence‑driven, and the overall tone felt more engaged and constructive. Many MPs voiced support for both reducing the permitted decibel limit and restricting firework sales to licensed individuals – an encouraging sign of growing recognition of the issue. One message came through consistently: MPs are listening. Nearly every speaker referenced the significant volume of correspondence they receive from constituents about fireworks.
However, the debate gave limited attention to the excessive legal use of fireworks during everyday celebrations such as birthdays, christenings, weddings, and even funerals. When these events occur in close succession – and when combined with illegal use – the impact is just as distressing. These legally used fireworks are often the ones authorities are unable to act upon. The reality is that all loud fireworks, regardless of the occasion or intent, cause harm or distress to someone or something.
The Minister, Kate Dearden, declined to commit to a timeline for potential changes, despite being reminded that any legislative updates would need to be in place by November this year. This makes it clear that substantial work remains. While she stated that the Government intends to “gather the evidence,” this was said immediately after hearing extensive evidence from MPs. She did, however, commit to engaging directly with communities, emphasising her desire to hear from those whose lives are affected by this antisocial behaviour: “I want to hear from as many people and communities that have been impacted as possible, and ensure that they have the opportunity to share their stories directly with me.”
If the Minister is seeking evidence, it is important that we provide it. Her email address is: kate.dearden.mp@parliament.uk. If you choose to write, please ensure your testimony is factual and polite. A substantial number of personal accounts at this stage would help maintain momentum and reinforce the urgency of the issue.
We extend our sincere thanks to all MPs who supported the petitions and spoke with such clarity and passion on behalf of their communities.
If you missed the debate you can watch it here
or read the Hansard transcript here
The fireworks debate will be held in Westminster Hall on Monday 19 January 2026 at 4.30pm lead by Robbie Moore. You can watch live here: https://www.youtube.com/live/G1ntVoBByDE
Both petitions are still open to sign if you haven’t already done so:
Both firework petitions will be debated on
Monday 19 January 2026
Please email your MP and ask them to attend on your behalf.
It’s easy to do using www.writetothem.com or you can use the RSPCA’s pre-written template and edit it to include the details of the debate.
If you’re not sure what to write we’ve got lots of tips plus a pack for you to send to them.
Both petitions are still open to sign so please do so if you haven’t already:
1. Reduce the maximum noise level for consumer fireworks from 120 to 90 decibels
2. Limit the sale of fireworks to those running local council approved events only
Redwings Horse Sanctuary have produced this short video, voiced by British actor, filmmaker and conservationist Dan Richardson, to show the impact of loud fireworks on horses:
Please sign and share the petition to reduce the maximum noise level for consumer fireworks from 120 to 90 decibels
Yasmin Qureshi MP today (03/12/2025) tabled a 10 Minute Rule Bill – Fireworks (Noise Control etc). You can watch here or read the Hansard transcript here
The bill seeks to:
The Bill is now scheduled for its second reading on
Monday 26 January 2026
The Bill will be prepared and brought in by:
If your MP is on the above list please email to thank them. If they’re not please email to ask them to back the bill: https://www.writetothem.com/
In addition to the MPs who attended the Firework Impact Coalition drop-in event and those who have signed EDM 2138 tabled by Imran Hussain, the MPs listed below have all asked questions of ministers relating to fireworks this year. This proves your emails are working. Please keep writing, even if you get the disappointing standard reply. You can use https://www.writetothem.com/ or send the RSPCA’s standard letter which you can edit to include your personal views: https://www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/campaign/fireworks
If you’re struggling with what to write we have lots of tips for you, click here
The government’s responses to both petitions are, regrettably, designed in a way that discourages public support rather than addressing legitimate concerns.
We challenge their assertion that “the majority of individuals who use fireworks do so in a responsible and safe manner.” This claim overlooks the reality that most UK gardens in densely populated areas are far too small to meet the minimum safety distance of 8 metres, let alone the 25 metres required for Category F3 fireworks, which are commonly favoured by enthusiasts.
Reporting illegal use presents significant challenges. Call handlers often lack knowledge of the relevant legislation and frequently redirect complainants to local councils, who in turn refer them back again. Enforcement is notoriously difficult, with prosecutions rare and police forces reluctant to record incidents. As a result, there is no meaningful data available for MPs to consider. Unless MPs witness the misuse of fireworks firsthand, they continue to operate under the mistaken belief that no problem exists.
We urge you to continue sharing both petitions (links below) and to sign them if you haven’t already done so. In addition, please keep writing to your MP, providing details of your own experiences and referencing media reports, so that the scale of the issue cannot be ignored
You can find the media reports in our Facebook Incidents & Evidence group
The event held by the Firework Impact Coalition on 12 November 2025 gave MPs the chance to hear from some of the bigger charities how fireworks affect their members. It was a great success with 94 MPs attending (full list below). If your MP is on the list please drop them a line to thank them: https://www.writetothem.com/
Find out more about the Firework Impact Coalition and how you can support them: https://www.aflr.co.uk/
