Tom Morrison speaks in debate in Parliament on fireworks

Tom Morrison, the Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament (MP) for Cheadle, has been a staunch advocate for reforming the laws surrounding fireworks, particularly in light of the growing concerns voiced by his constituents. Tom has worked tirelessly to address the negative impacts of fireworks on animals, vulnerable individuals, and communities, culminating in his active participation in several key events and discussions aimed at legislative change.

In his communications with constituents, Tom has acknowledged the deep frustration many feel during firework season, citing the distress caused to pets, wildlife, and people with PTSD or sensory sensitivities. In one of his letters, he expressed his gratitude to the 315 petition signatories from Cheadle who voiced their concerns, noting that his constituency had the highest number of petition signatories on the matter. This issue is especially pressing given the rise in fireworks-related antisocial behaviour, which has plagued communities like Cheadle in recent years.

Tom’s commitment to this cause is evident in his attendance at key events in December, including the debate on fireworks use in Parliament and the Fireworks Bill drop-in event. He highlighted the crucial role of public engagement in pushing for legislative reform, citing the 26,000 supporters of the RSPCA’s #KindSparks campaign. The campaign has been instrumental in drawing attention to the impact of fireworks on animals, with over 3,000 responses to a survey that documents the effects of fireworks on pets and wildlife.

He also emphasized the importance of a balanced approach to addressing fireworks use. While acknowledging the cultural and celebratory significance of fireworks, he has called for measures that minimize harm without banning them outright. His recent letters underline this, advocating for practical solutions such as imposing noise limits on fireworks sold for private displays. This proposal, which could reduce the distress caused by loud fireworks in residential areas, has gained traction among both constituents and animal welfare groups.

In Parliament, Morrison has also spoken about the broader context of rising antisocial behaviour, linking it to the lack of resources for youth services and local policing. His impassioned speech in December drew attention to the challenges faced by communities across Cheadle constituency, where cuts to public services have left many young people without constructive outlets. He shared the heart-wrenching stories of constituents like Stephanie, who narrowly avoided injury when a firework was thrown at her, and Di, whose dog suffers severe anxiety due to the noise from fireworks. These personal accounts underscored the need for comprehensive reform to reduce the dangers posed by both the misuse of fireworks and the lack of proper support for vulnerable individuals.

Tom also highlighted the need for stronger enforcement of existing laws surrounding the sale and use of fireworks. While he acknowledged that the current legislation is robust, he pointed out that enforcement remains a challenge due to underfunded local authorities and overstretched police resources. To address this, he has called for increased investment in youth services, as well as more resources for local authorities and police forces to better manage firework-related issues and antisocial behaviour.

Looking forward, Tom is keen to explore additional measures to improve the situation. In particular, he is open to the idea of creating “firework-free zones” and ensuring local authorities have the authority to regulate fireworks more effectively in high-risk areas. These initiatives, alongside proposals for quieter fireworks, could strike a much-needed balance between celebrating important cultural traditions and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all members of the community. He will be supporting the Fireworks Bill as it works it's way through Parliament. 

Tom’s work on this issue has been a testament to his dedication to his constituency and his commitment to building a safer, more compassionate community for both people and animals. Through his work, he hopes to see a future where firework displays continue to bring joy without causing undue harm or distress.

You can watch the video of Tom speaking in Parliament on this issue below: