York Central MP Rachael Maskell has revealed she was nearly hurt after a youngster threw a firework at her – and she is calling for a complete ban on their sale.
The Labour MP said she risked being severely injured in the incident, which happened while she was on her way home from Parliament three years ago.
MPs debated a petition relating to the sale and use of fireworks yesterday (Monday), which garnered more than 301,000 signatures.
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Pressing the Government on a comprehensive fireworks sale ban during a Westminster Hall debate, she said: “We have got to remember that at this time of year, our precious NHS, which is overstretched, sees about 2,000 injuries arriving through its doors, 600 of those affecting children, and has about 35 inquiries about burns in relation to both Diwali and Bonfire Night.
“And of course, we know our public servants can often be a target for people who misuse fireworks.
“Indeed, only three years ago, I was cycling home from Parliament when young people who were playing with fireworks threw a firework at me.
“It was nanoseconds of me, slamming on my brakes that caused it to miss. Had it hit, as it exploded as it hit the ground, who knows what the history would have been?”
Ms Maskell said that now, every year when she cycles on that section of her route, “I fear what could happen”.
On sale everywhere
Ms Maskell added: “Fireworks are so easily accessible in supermarkets and other shops, and that’s why we need to make sure that we see a comprehensive ban.
“If people want to enjoy a firework display, to have one put on by the local authority or fire services, of course is better use of public money, as there are fewer call-outs, which are required by our NHS as well as other emergency services.
“But also it can bring communities together, as opposed to what fireworks are now doing, which is pushing communities apart.”
Ms Maskell said there was concern about fireworks in York. “Not only have many constituents written to me – veterans, families with experience of autism and other mental health conditions, but also animal lovers – but 714 of my constituents signed the petition as well calling for fireworks only to be used in properly licensed public displays.”
Business minister Paul Scully said it was “terrible” to hear what Ms Maskell faced.
On banning fireworks, though, he said: “We have concerns that actually banning fireworks in this way could have significant adverse and unintended consequences for public safety, in particular, perpetuating the emergence of a black market of illicit fireworks.”