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Charities Welcome Fireworks Consultation As Concerns Continue To Increase
5 hours ago 
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The launch of a public consultation on the sale and use of fireworks is being welcomed by a coalition of 19 charities, known as the Fireworks Impact Coalition, who are campaigning for tighter regulations.
The consultation has been announced by the Department for Business and Trade less than four months after a petitions committee debate, where 58 MPs from across the national and political spectrum shared their constituents’ personal experiences.
Accounts included nursing home residents suffering from Alzheimer’s who tried to escape or were seen crying and distressed when fireworks were let off; a foal who died after becoming impaled on farm machinery when fleeing in fear and a visually impaired man whose guide dog was so frightened the dog dragged him across a main road.
One of the petitions which triggered the Westminster Hall debate was set up by Fireworks Impact Coalition member Redwings Horse Sanctuary. The petition secured more than 184,000 signatures in support of lowering the maximum noise levels of consumer fireworks from 120 to 90 decibels. Another petition, asking for fireworks to be limited to council-approved displays only, achieved more than 195,000 signatures.
Helen Whitelegg, Campaigns Manager for Redwings, said: “We welcome the news that at last we will have a proper consultation on this issue. Petition debates on the topic of fireworks have become an almost annual event, with eight debates taking place in the past decade. Frustration from both the public and many MPs at lack of progress in reviewing and updating regulations is compounded by evidence of the continued distress and harm that fireworks cause across the UK. The public consultation is an important step on the road towards a revised regulatory framework that better protects vulnerable people and animals.”
The Children’s Burns Trust reports a significant rise in 2025 in the number of children who were referred to specialist burns units following an incident involving fireworks. Jo Myers, Operations and Relationships Manager for the Trust said: “The rise in severe, sometimes life-changing injuries to children because of fireworks is very concerning. Until regulations around fireworks are substantially revised, we anticipate the risks to children will continue, causing unimaginable distress to the families concerned as well as adding to the burden on our NHS.”[i]
Charities such as Help for Heroes and Combat Stress are working to raise awareness of the effect fireworks can have on veterans who are carrying emotional scars and trauma following service on the frontline. Survey data collected by the two charities suggests that almost a quarter of military veterans have experienced a negative experience because of fireworks being let off nearby, and more than 70% of veterans would like to see tighter regulation of fireworks in the UK. [ii]
Alex Findlow, Public Affairs Manager for Dogs Trust, which chairs the coalition, summarised the hopes shared by the charities: “We are delighted that the government is listening to the public on this important issue. It is essential that this step is taken as part of a meaningful process and commitment to review current legislation in light of the evidence that the consultation brings forward.
“Fireworks play a role in our communities as part of seasonal or religious celebrations, but unfortunately every year, when they are used in an unsafe, inappropriate or inconsiderate way, we see reports of their tragic consequences.
“The government must uphold its responsibility to protect people and animals from harm by finding a safer, more effective framework within which fireworks can be used by those who enjoy them.”
The Fireworks Impact Coalition members represent a wide range of human and animal organisations, whose service users can be adversely impacted by fireworks. Members include those speaking on behalf of military veterans, burn survivors, people living with PTSD and those who rely on assistance dogs, alongside organisations championing the welfare of animals such as cats, dogs, horses, livestock and zoo animals.
The petition and the MPs debate can be viewed here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/738192
The Firework Impact Coalition members are: Assistance Dogs UK, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Blue Cross, Bravehound, British Horse Society, British Veterinary Association, Cats Protection, Children’s Burns Trust, Combat Stress, Dan’s Fund For Burns, Dogs Trust, Help for Heroes, PTSD UK, Redwings Horse Sanctuary, Royal Kennel Club, RSPCA, Royal Zoological Society for Scotland, Service Dogs UK.
[i] Children’s Burns Trust data
[ii] Help for Heroes and Combat Stress data
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