MP Moves One Step Closer to Lavinia's Law

25.06.04

Local Lib Dem MP Edward Davey this week tabled an Early Day Motion calling for further regulations to control the supply and use of fireworks in a fight for what has become known as 'Lavinia's Law'. This refers to Ms Lavinia Dale, who lost the sight in her right eye to a Category Three firework in November of last year.

You can join in the campaign for Lavinia's Law on Kingston Council's website.

The Fireworks Act 2003, which received Royal Assent last year, set out new and more stringent regulations regarding the supply and availability of fireworks, but did not make provision for restricting the supply of larger Category Three fireworks. Mrs Dale's plight has inspired a campaign led by local press, councillors and MPs to secure the inclusion of further regulation in the 2003 Act. Edward Davey's EDM this week is a significant victory on the road to achieving this.

Commenting, Edward Davey said

"This is an important campaign and something that my colleagues and I have been working towards for some months.

"I was pleased to secure the support of Bill Tynan MP for this motion, as it was Mr. Tynan's Private Member's Bill that led to the 2003 Fireworks Act. It is regulations under that Act that my motion seeks to influence.

"Whilst the Government plan under that Act will reduce the abuse and misuse of fireworks, a fact which my EDM acknowledges, its failure to regulate Category Three fireworks was inexcusable. What we need is more stringent legislation when it comes to large and dangerous fireworks. The EDM called for better regulation of the debris weight for firework rockets and to consider redefining the categories so that innocent people like Mrs. Dale will not be injured in the future.

"I consider this a triumph for local people on what is a national issue. Thanks to the unwavering support of constituents and councillors in South West London we are one step closer to Lavinia's Law."

For more information visit:

Fireworks Act 2003

UK Consumer Law article on Fireworks Act 2003