Earlier this month, we received many emails and telephone calls from constituents concerned about the misuse of fireworks over the Guy Fawkes weekend.

People told us they were petrified to leave their houses. Local newspapers described some communities we represent as being like “war zones”. One local police officer even had to be rushed to hospital after being injured from a thrown firework.

Of course, the vast majority of local residents buy, use and enjoy fireworks in a safe and responsible manner. But a small minority are causing damage, distress and misery for many.

That is why we brought a motion before today’s meeting of Edinburgh City Council calling for action. It was passed unanimously and means the Council Leader will now write to both the UK and Scottish Governments calling for a review and changes before next November.

Here is our full motion passed today;

FIREWORKS

Council;

1. recognises that the vast majority of Edinburgh residents enjoy fireworks responsibly as part of the annual Guy Fawkes night celebrations,

2. commends those working in Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service and other agencies for their commitment, bravery and professionalism in seeking to protect our local communities from harm,

3. condemns the reported acts of violence which took place in some parts of Edinburgh around 5 November, including fireworks being thrown at emergency service staff, and expresses its sympathy and support to those who suffered injury,

4. acknowledges motion S5M-08695 which was recently tabled to the Scottish Parliament and which has received cross party support, calling on (i) the UK Government to review the rules governing the sale of fireworks, and (ii) the Scottish Government and its partner agencies to investigate and address the antisocial use of unlicensed fireworks,

5. agrees for the Leader of the Council to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation & Skills to express the Council’s support for both reviews so new measures can be considered and, where possible, implemented before 5 November 2018.”