National Campaign for Firework Safety
Our aim is to promote the safe use of  fireworks

Fireworks 2002 Survey

People who have spoke against fireworks Part 2


Dr Brian Iddon, Bolton South East MP, Labour, and professional chemist.

"Those are huge explosives and I am alarmed at the size of fireworks on sale to the general public."
November 1 2002, ManchesterOnline, MP's call to ban rockets

Fiona Mactaggart, Slough MP, Labour
"And I will continue to press for further regulation of fireworks."
November 1 2002, icBerkshire, Citizens demand action on fireworks

Nottingham Evening Post
The RSPCA is backing the Post's call for a fireworks ban.
November 2 2002, This is Nottingham, RSPCA- We back Post's campaign

Paula Riley, Councillor, Burnley Council
To support the request for Lancashire County Council to introduce a by-law to ban the sale of fireworks in shops.
November 2 2002, This is Lancashire, Airbombs attack sparks demand for firework ban

Paul Sherman, Explosives expert, Greater Manchester Fire Service

"If the same amount of explosive charge was used in a different way it would create a bomb which would cause significant injuries and fatalities. 
November 2 2002, ManchesterOnline, A killer for sale

Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Is worried about the effect fireworks have on pets.
November 2 2002, Leeds Today, Bonfire safety plea

Kurt Vandamme, Senior veterinary surgeon, PDSA PetAid hospital, Barker Butts, Coventry,
"All pets see is a very frightening situation that seems to have come out of the blue.
November 2 2002, icCoventry, Ensure your pets are safe not sorry

Paul Martin, Glasgow Springburn MSP, Labour
Is demanding government action after it was revealed that Scots cops had been called to nearly 2,000 dangerous fireworks incidents with Bonfire Night still three days away. 

November 2 2002, Daily Mirror, MSP in firework ban call,

Ms Sandra White, Glasgow MSP, Scottish Nationalist Party

"No one should underestimate the carnage created by fireworks in the wrong hands."
November 2 2002, Daily Mirror, MSP in firework ban call,


Sunday Sun
Three stores belonging to Britain's top supermarket chains have been caught out selling fireworks to underage kids

November 3, 2002, Sunday Sun, Big three flout ban


Kay Brandist, North west regional manager, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
"Over the years we have become increasingly concerned by the physical and psychological injuries caused to animals by fireworks."
November 4 2002, ManchesterOnline, Stay Safe campaign wins backing

Dr Lynne Jones, Birmingham, Selly Oak MP, Labour
Has called for firework licences to be introduced in order to halt an increase in serious injuries and to stop the illegal trade in pyrotechnics
November 4 2002, icBirmingham, Demand grows for firework laws

Margaret Wells, Councillor, Birmingham City Council
"We can't have people, like the elderly, frightened to leave their house for two months because of the threat of fireworks,"
November 4 2002, icBirmingham, Demand grows for firework laws

Adrian Bailey, West Bromwich West MP, Labour/Co-op
Visited Wednesbury to talk to residents and shoppers about the nuisance caused by reckless use of fireworks
November 4 2002, Express and Star, Call for end to bonfire fright

David Chidgey, Eastleigh MP, Liberal Democrat 
"It is time for the government to introduce tougher, compulsory controls over the sale and use of fireworks.
November 5 2002, This is Hampshire, MP demands crackdown on fireworks

Jim Potts, chief trading standards officer for Lancashire
"People are heartily sick of fireworks noise nuisance and misuse. The whole industry needs to tighten up."

November 5 2002, Preston Today, Rocket blasts through roof

Manchester Evening News
THE Manchester Evening News handed the government a terrifying dossier highlighting the injuries and devastation caused by fireworks
November 5, 2002, Manchester News, Fireworks dossier handed over


Chris Laurence, Chief veterinary officer
, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
"We are horrified by the number of animals brought to us for emergency care as a result of firework injuries."

November 5 2002, icWales, Farmers warning over fireworks

Alan Morris, Farmers' Union of Wales

"Everyone knows of the dangers to household pets from fireworks, but perhaps less well known among the general public is the harm that they can cause to livestock."
November 5 2002, icWales, Farmers warning over fireworks

Dan Jones, National Farmers' Union Cymru

"There are many powerful fireworks on the market and these rockets go a long way and could cause a fire. They also frighten the farm animals, particularly dogs."
November 5 2002, icWales, Farmers warning over fireworks

Clive Mason, station officer, Sheldon Fire Station
"We have enough legitimate incidents without those started by these idiots."
November 5 2002, icBirmingham, Yobs 'hell bent' on bonfire mayhem

Jeff Whitmore, Inspector, Nottingham Police
"It was like Beirut down there. You couldn't hear yourself think for fireworks going off.  "They were being used as missiles instead of displays."

November 6 2002, This is Nottingham, Police chief says, 'It was like Beirut'

Nottingham Evening Post
Staff at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue back the Post's Be Safe not Sorry campaign.

November 6 2002, This is Nottingham, A hard day's night

Northern Echo
I still don't understand what prevents Government from taking the obvious, and popular, step needed regarding firework control.
November 6 2002, Northern Echo, Of old bangers, and crackers in Darlington

Brian Wroe, Chief Superintendent, Salford Police
"My officers have responded every night to disorder involving fireworks since the beginning of October."
November 6 2002, ManchesterOnline, Terror attack by firework thugs

Tony Wright, Cannock Chase MP, Labour
"I have been campaigning for tougher controls on fireworks for a long time."

November 6 2002, Express and Star, Pledge on fireworks is welcomed

Evening Times,
Thousands of annoyed or frightened Scots being made to feel like they are living in a bombed-out Bosnia.
November 6, 2002, Evening Times, Why 'war zone' fears spoil the fireworks fun


Sue Marbrow, Councillor, East Staffordshire Borough Council
Is looking into launching a campaign for a national firework ban. 
November 6 2002, Burton Mail, Police patrol troubled area

David Crausby, Bolton North East MP, Labour
The numerous problems that fireworks cause is back with us once again.

November 7 2002, This is Lancashire, By David Crausby, MP for Bolton North-East

Leicester Mercury
We don't want to be kept awake by irresponsible people celebrating into the early hours or put at risk by young hooligans.
November 7, 2002, Leicester Mercury, Fireworks, Time to act on the evidence

Sue Anderson, Councillor, Birmingham City Council, Liberal Democrats
"Fireworks are getting louder and potentially more dangerous and often pets suffer the fallout and injuries. 
November 7 2002, icBirmingham, Girl trio sparks fireworks alert

Geraldine Peacock, Chief executive, Guide Dogs
"Sudden loud noises can distress guide and assistance dogs so much that they are unable to work."

November 7 2002, Courier co uk, Fireworks curb call

John McNicholas, Councillor, Coventry City Council
"But some government action is needed to help balance out the needs of everyone to enjoy, but not be disturbed, by fireworks."

November 7, 2002, BBC News, Move to restrict fireworks


West Cumberland Times and Star,
Hasn't the time come to outlaw them completely?

November 8 2002, West Cumberland Times and Star, Is it time to forget the Fifth

Jonathan Silk, regional manager, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Said the public had a right to be concerned about the use of fireworks.

November 8 2002, This is Somerset, RSPCA campaign against public fireworks use

David Crausby, Bolton North East MP, Labour
"The menace caused by fireworks increases year on year. Will the minister consider legislation, not voluntary codes, to restrict severely the retail of fireworks?"
November 8 2002, This is Lancashire, 'Get tough, Firework plan 'not tough enough'

Andrew Gravells,
Councillor, Gloucester City Council
"I hope the Government will soon take steps to both limit the period in which fireworks can be sold.
November 8 2002, This is Gloucestershire, Firework nearly hit my dog

Paul Whitaker, Councillor, Skipton Council
Suggested that a by-law could be introduced requiring anyone who wanted to have a firework party, at any time of the year, to get permission first. 
November 8 2002, This is Bradford, Town wants clampdown on fireworks

Paul English,
Councillor, Skipton Council
Said fireworks were still getting into youngsters' hands, weeks before bonfire night.
November 8 2002, This is Bradford, Town wants clampdown on fireworks

Adrian Bailey, West Bromwich West MP, Labour/Co-operative
Launched a campaign in Wednesbury to clamp down on the use of fireworks
November 8 2002, Express and Star, Fireworks blamed for missing dog

George Foulkes, Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MP, Labour/Co-operative
"This time of year is blighted by problems of fireworks misuse, noise and nuisance."
November 8, 2002, Ayrshire Post, Ban bangers

Leeds City Council's Labour, Liberal Democrat, Conservative and Green groups
Are calling on the Government to introduce tougher restrictions.
November 9 2002, Leeds Today, Rocket for firework mavericks

Stewart Golton, Councillor, Weetwood
"It is time for the Government to introduce tougher, compulsory controls."
November 9 2002, Leeds Today, Rocket for firework mavericks

Andrew Carter, Councillor, Leeds
"The Government should now urgently consider the licensing of fireworks and limiting their use."
November 9 2002, Leeds Today, Rocket for firework mavericks

Wolverhampton Over 50's Forum
Campaigners want fireworks banned in designated areas of Wolverhampton,
November 9 2002, Express and Star, Firework ban campaign underway

Brian Richmond, Councillor, Gateshead
"What we are seeing is certain types of fireworks being misused."
November 11 2002, Evening Chronicle, Call to tighten Firework Controls

Andrew Waller, Councillor, York
Wants to restrict the sale of excessively noisy fireworks.
November 12 2002, This is York, Call to restrict firework sales

Connel Boyle, Councillor, Exeter
Wants only licensed parties allowed.
November 12 2002, This is Devon, Firework 'bombs' terror sparks call for shop

Manchester Evening News
The M.E.N. also told of a 60 per cent rise in people injured by fireworks on the street
November 13 2002, ManchesterOnline, New curb on firework yobs

Nottingham Evening Post
Our Be Safe Not Sorry campaign urges the Government to ban the sale of fireworks to the public.
November 14 2002, This is Nottingham, Victory, Crusade pays off

Manchester Evening News
"We have printed many news stories about people whose lives have been devastated by fireworks."

November 14 2002, ManchesterOnline, 'Air Bombs' to be banned


David Blunkett,
Home Secretary
"I think we need to look at whether we need more legislative back-up for that." 

November 14 2002, Leeds Today, Blunkett backs curbs on fireworks

Nigel Strick, head of Trading standards,
Oxfordshire
"Some of the fireworks being sold legally across the counter are huge explosives."
November 15 2002, This is Oxfordshire, Tighter firework laws wanted

Neil Fawcett, executive member, Oxfordshire

Said some fireworks could be compared to weapons.

November 15 2002, This is Oxfordshire, Tighter firework laws wanted

Anne Purse, executive member, Oxfordshire
"The fireworks season seems to go on and on."
November 15 2002, This is Oxfordshire, Tighter firework laws wanted

Tom Mawston, Councillor, Middlesbrough
Said there was now a ludicrous situation where "bangers" had been banned but people could now buy "bombs".
November 15 2002, icTeesside, Ban firework sales

Oliver Johnson, Councillor
, Middlesbrough
Said a total ban on fireworks was the only answer to the problem.
November 15 2002, icTeesside, Ban firework sales

Kali Mountford, Colne Valley MP, Labour
A BAN on the sale of fireworks to the public may be the only way to stop injuries
November 15 2002, icHuddersfield, MP's plea on firework injuries

Sue Marbrow, Councillor, East Staffordshire Borough Council
"Under my petition people won't be able to go into a shop and buy a box of fireworks."
November 15 2002, Burton Mail, Call for ban on sale of fireworks

Chris Blakeley, Councillor, Wirral Council
The only way of achieving the banning of retail sales of fireworks is through an act of Parliament.
November 15 2002, icCheshireOnline, Chester Chronicle letters

John Battle, Leeds West MP, Labour
Is launching a head-on challenge calling for a ban on over-the-counter sales.
November 18 2002, Leeds Today, Don't let this misery go on another year

Richard Ottaway, Croydon South MP, Conservative
"There is a growing intolerance to fireworks being let off for days on end in the period running up to Guy Fawkes night and beyond."

November 19 2002, Local London, Tories demand firework curbs

Steve O'Connell, Councillor, Kenley 
Has accused some retailers of turning a blind eye to underage children making purchases.
November 19 2002, Local London, Tories demand firework curbs

Richard Ottaway, Croydon South MP, Conservative
"Undoubtedly there is a growing intolerance of fireworks being let off for days on end in the period running up to Guy Fawkes night and beyond

November 19 2002, icCroydon, MP backs campaign to restrict fireworks

Steve O'Connell,
Councillor, Kenley
"The Kenley area has been plagued in the last three weeks by the anti-social use of fireworks."
November 19 2002, icCroydon, MP backs campaign to restrict fireworks

Connel Boyle, Councillor, St Thomas
"There is anger about this."
November 20 2002, This is Devon, Support mounting for fireworks campaign

South Somerset District Council
Is to consider approaching the Local Government Association, calling on members to lobby the Government for tighter restrictions on the sale of fireworks.
November 25 2002, This is The West Country, Council in call for firework control

Ross Henley, Councillor, Wellington
Said it is time to end months of misery caused by fireworks exploding at all hours of the night. 
November 29 2002, Somerset County Gazette, End menace of fireworks, call


Adrian Russell, regulatory services director, Leicestershire
"We would be looking for better control of the type of fireworks on sale."
December 2 2002, This is Leicestershire, Firework chaos sparks appeal to Government

Keith Vaz, Leicester East MP, Labour
"There should be controls on the sale of fireworks."
December 2 2002, This is Leicestershire, Firework chaos sparks appeal to Government

The Yorkshire Evening Post
THE Yorkshire Evening Post's campaign for tough controls on fireworks is being taken to Europe.

December 2 2002, Leeds Today, Fight for new laws goes to Europe

David Bowe, Yorkshire MEP, Labour
It is hoped that the European Commission may be able to have an impact on the misery caused across the country by the irresponsible sale and use of fireworks.
December 2 2002, Leeds Today, Fight for new laws goes to Europe

Maurice Jones, Councillor, Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council

It is my personal opinion that the use of fireworks by members of the public should be banned and only safe, organised firework displays should be allowed.
December 4 2002, icCheshireOnline, South Cheshire Chronicle letters

Andrew Carter, Councillor, Leeds
"What I would call display fireworks are on sale to the general public and can be used as offensive weapons to terrorise people."
December 5 2002, Leeds Today, City sends out call to back YEP campaign

Bob Ainsworth, Jim Cunningham and Geoffrey Robinson, Coventry MPs, Labour
Are supporting a petition by the city council to curb the use of dangerous fireworks.
December 6 2002, icCoventry, MPs back firework petition

Connel Boyle, Councillor, St Thomas
"I would say fireworks should be sold only days before Bonfire Night, say just 48 hours."
December 10 2002, This is Devon, Councillor demanding limit on firework sales

Michael Todd, Chief constable, Greater Manchester
Backed our campaign by voting for a total ban.
December 13 2002, Manchester Evening News, Our own fire chief constable backs total ban

Roy Williamson, Chief fire officer, Humberside
"People injured, fires started, noise disturbance over a two month period . . . this must be classed as anti-social and is certainly a disgraceful lack of consideration with regards to animals."
December 13 2002, Manchester Evening News, Our own fire chief constable backs total ban

Manchester Evening News
The Manchester Evening News. is stepping up its campaign for a ban on over-the-counter sales of fireworks.
December 13 2002, ManchesterOnline, News, Fireworks, We won't let our campaign fizzle out

Ronnie Campbell, Blyth Valley MP, Labour
"The thing that worries me about fireworks is the power of them because they are very noisy and very powerful,"
December 16 2002, Evening Chronicle, Firework ban is backed by 1,700

Manchester Evening News

They kill, maim and mean misery for many - and they are on sale over the festive period at a store near you.

December 27 2002, ManchesterOnline, News, Menace of festive fireworks

Barry Dixon, Greater Manchester County Fire Service
Has said that fireworks should only be used in a controlled environment at public displays.
December 27 2002, ManchesterOnline, News, Menace of festive fireworks

Michael Todd, Chief Constable, Greater Manchester Police
Has backed our campaign for a total ban on sales.
December 27 2002, Manchester Evening News, Menace of festive fireworks


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