2.85 million sign petitions calling for fireworks restrictions

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 17:11 · Archive

More than 2.85 million people have signed 498 petitions calling for tighter rules on fireworks in the UK.

More than 2.85 million people have signed 498 separate petitions calling for tighter restrictions on fireworks across the UK. The most common requests include ending sales to the general public and switching to quieter alternatives at celebrations.

The push for stricter rules was prompted by the serious injury of 11-year-old Kieran Kalicki from East London, who was struck by a firework when another child pointed it at him. He is being treated at Whipps Cross Hospital for injuries to his eye and is due to have an operation. His father, John Kalicki, launched a petition this week arguing that existing regulations are not effective given the high number of annual injuries.

Kalicki cited Northern Ireland's experience, saying that when the region introduced licences for buying most fireworks in 2002, the number of injuries fell sharply the following year. He is calling on the government to end public sales of fireworks and limit them to licensed, professionally run displays, allowing families to enjoy celebrations like Bonfire Night safely.

Another petition started by Alan Smith calls for stricter rules including making 'challenge 25' compulsory and restricting sales to garden display boxes worth more than £50.

2.85 million sign petitions calling for fireworks restrictions — Image: Bournemouth Echo

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How it is being reported

2.85 million people sign petitions calling for ban or restrictions on fireworks in UKCalls to ban fireworks in the UK are growing, with 2.85 million people having signed petitions backing tighter rules.Bournemouth Echo · 5 Nov, 15:15
2.85 million people sign petitions calling for ban or restrictions on fireworks in UKCalls to ban fireworks in the UK are growing, with 2.85 million people having signed petitions backing tighter rules.Dorset Echo · 5 Nov, 15:15

In this story: John Kalicki · Kieran Kalicki · Alan Smith · Northern Ireland · East London · Whipps Cross Hospital · UK

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