Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash calls for full review of fireworks legislation
Something is happening in Hartlepool and it cannot be ignored.
Over the last few weeks my inbox has exploded with messages from people who are angry, scared and fed up with what fireworks are doing to our town.
Residents tell me their pets are shaking in terror. Families say fireworks are being used as weapons in anti-social behaviour.
The vulnerable, including veterans, describe sleepless nights and flashbacks triggered inside their own homes. This is not right and people know it.
That is why I am demanding a full, serious review of our firework laws with nothing ruled out.
I raised this directly in the House of Commons because we are long past the point where we can pretend this is just harmless fun.
I also met this month with the Firework Impact Coalition. This is a powerful alliance of animal charities, vets, emergency services and environmental groups who have had enough of seeing the damage up close.
They collect the hard evidence and they showed me the true cost of fireworks today. Frankly it shocked me.
More than 41% of dog owners say their pet is scared of fireworks. That is more than four million dogs trembling in living rooms across the country every year. Around 40% of rabbits and guinea pigs also show signs of extreme stress.
After major fireworks events there is a huge spike in missing pets, with around 35% more dogs and 22% more cats disappearing as they bolt in panic.
Horses suffer too. Three hundred and sixty six have been killed or injured in firework incidents since 2010.
Our fire service is stretched every Bonfire Night with and hospitals have treated 343 children for serious firework burns in just three years.
Let me be clear. I support well organised public displays. They are part of our culture.
But the random late night backyard fireworks that leave pets terrified and neighbourhoods on edge are doing real damage. Hartlepool knows it. The country knows it.
So tell me your view. Is it time for change? Should private sales be restricted or banned? How have fireworks affected your household?
Your voices can help shape what happens next. Let us fix this together and make Hartlepool safer, calmer and happier for everyone.