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Harrogate MP: Fireworks restrictions will fail without proper resources

Monday, 26 January 2026 07:24

Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has had his say on Government plans to tighten restrictions on the sale of fireworks.

Tom has urged the Government to ensure that restrictions are matched with the funding and resources local authorities need to enforce the law effectively.

Speaking during a parliamentary debate on fireworks, Tom warned that without proper enforcement powers and financial support, new restrictions risk being “ineffective”.

He stressed that if the Government introduces tougher controls, including the possibility of a licensing scheme, councils must be “properly resourced” to make those measures work in practice.

Tom said:

“Time and again, we see national legislation changed while local authorities are left without the power or funding to enforce it on the ground.

“If restrictions on fireworks are tightened, whether through a licensing scheme or other measures, the Government must ensure councils have the resources to enforce those rules properly.

“Without that support, this would be a job half done and risks being little more than words on a page.”

Tom highlighted the growing pressure on local authorities, which are repeatedly expected to take on new responsibilities without the funding required to deliver them. 

He argued that this approach has “failed time and again”, undermining the impact of well-intentioned legislation and failing to deliver real solutions for communities.

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