The use of fireworks inappropriately or during anti-social hours is an issue that affects many in Luton North, and is an issue I have campaigned strongly on since being elected.

We all enjoy fireworks when used appropriately, but their unrestricted sale and usage has caused serious nuisance for many across Luton North.

Misuse of Fireworks Bill

In September 2021, I launched a campaign to tackle the misuse of fireworks – not just in Luton North but across the country. Loud, noisy fireworks in the middle of the night cause huge problems for families and pets and disrupt our daily lives, which is why I introduced the ‘Misuse of Fireworks Bill’ to Parliament.

Currently, setting off fireworks after 11pm is already an offence, but in practice it is dealt with by poorly enforced £90 penalty notices, which is not acting as a deterrent against their anti-social use.

After 13 years of damaging cuts to local police by the government, I don’t think they have the resources and support they need to properly enforce the current laws on fireworks.

With the support of charity Dogs Trust, I hoped that the Misuse of Fireworks Bill would gain the support of the government and put a stop to the stress and anxiety caused by the misuse of these pyrotechnics. Unfortunately, the government did not consider our legislation to be an ‘appropriate course of action’, and the legislation fell when the 2022 session of Parliament ended.

What next? 

Legislation is far from the only tool we have in the campaign against the anti-social use of fireworks. Working with local communities I am keen to continue to call for proper enforcement of our existing anti-social behaviour laws.

People want to feel safe and secure in their own neighbourhoods, and all year I get so many messages from people in Luton North expressing the misery that the anti-social use of fireworks is causing for them in the town.

If you are being affected adversely by fireworks, please get in touch and join my campaign to strengthen enforcement and monitoring of firework usage – email sarah.owen.mp@parliament.uk