A Havering resident’s campaign to improve firework safety triggered a debate in parliament this week, backed by Hornchurch & Upminster MP, Julia Lopez. 

Alan Smith - whose mother Josephine, died in a Harold Wood house fire in 2021 caused by fireworks - started a petition on firework sales which attracted 78 000 signatures. Mr Smith’s petition forms part of his bid to prevent similar tragedies happening in future and has gained national media attention. 

Mrs Lopez welcomed Mr Smith to her parliamentary office in the autumn, where she was shown how two youths on the night of his mother’s death were able easily to purchase fireworks from a local shop – despite boasting about their plans to terrorise people to the shopkeeper.

The Hornchurch & Upminster MP went on to speak on Mr Smith’s behalf in the parliamentary debate which followed, driving awareness of the tragic case and the consequences of poor enforcement and gaps in regulation. Other MPs attending the debate spoke of wider concerns about the stockpiling of fireworks, misuse of such devices for crime and the year-round impact on those with animals or who suffer from PTSD.

Mr Smith and Mrs Lopez will now be meeting Business Minister, Justin Madders MP, in February to discuss the petition’s proposals for changes in the regulation and sale of fireworks. 

Commenting Mrs Lopez said:

“I am very grateful to Alan for his courage in highlighting an issue which has caused him and his family such pain and trauma. It was a privilege to be able to speak on his behalf in the parliamentary debate this week.

“Many debates on this topic have taken place over the years, and the response is often that the industry is already heavily regulated and that regulations are adequate. However, now may be the time to look at the issue much more deeply, so that future tragedies, like that which affected Josephine, do not happen again.”

Find the link to Julia’s full contribution head to - https://www.julialopez.co.uk/news/debate-sale-and-use-fireworks-julia-lopez

To sign Alan Smith’s petition - https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/700013