Michael Fabricant is backing a Bill to prevent fireworks from being ignited late at night and being sold all year round. With Michael’s support, it passed its first stage in the House of Commons today Friday 28th February). Michael says "I have received numerous calls from constituents who have been woken up or had their pets frightened by fireworks being let off all year round. Like many others, I enjoy fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night and at public displays like the end of the Lichfield Festival in July or the Proms in the Park in Lichfield in September.

"But the constant explosions, often late at night, at all times of the year are just unacceptable".

Michael Fabricant told the Commons Chamber today while the Bill was being debated: "The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association tell me that the trauma that fireworks can induce in guide dogs can result in them being unable to continue working and they remain distressed at sudden noises for the rest of their lives. This costs the Association around £200,000 each year and can leave many blind people without a guide dog for several months."

The Fireworks Bill will give power to the Home Secretary to set laws which will control to whom fireworks are sold and when they are sold. There are already laws to prevent fireworks being a nuisance or from them being thrown in the street, but the police cannot be there to enforce these laws. By introducing laws that will control the supply of fireworks, this problem will be dealt with at source.

"I hope the Bill will become law. Unfortunately, it is not a Government Bill and has been proposed by a backbench Labour MP. It’s up to the Government to ensure that sufficient time is given to ensure that it passes through all the necessary Parliamentary stages. But is has the support of both Conservative and backbench Labour MPs" adds Michael Fabricant.