Tighter fireworks restrictions to be debated by MPs
A petition calling to ban the use of fireworks except on certain days of the year will be debated by MPs next month (6 June).
It calls for fireworks to only be set off on, and during the weekends directly surrounding, Guy Fawkes Night, New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year.
The campaign was launched by Lincolnshire-based rider Julie Doorne.
“Fireworks now occur at all times of the day and evening for many weeks during the autumn and winter,” states the petition.
“Pet and animal owners struggle to keep their companion animals safe during this extended period. We call for fireworks use by the general public to be permitted on traditional celebration dates only.
“Current regulations are outdated and largely ineffective and we are calling for the improved regulation of fireworks use in the UK.”
Ms Doorne was inspired to take action after her friend’s mare lost a foal following a fireworks display in 2014.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“She aborted her foal because of fireworks,” Miss Doorne told H&H.
“Another friend’s horse had to be put to sleep due to stress colic following a fireworks display.”
The peititon has been signed by more than 100,000 people and will now be debated in parliament.
Ms Doorne is now urging others to write to their MPs to bring the matter to their attention.
“There are so many people who are badly affected by random fireworks,” she said.
“It only takes five minutes to write a letter and the RSPCA even offers templates.”
For more information visit: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/109702
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.