Is time up for backyard fireworks? UK ministers weigh partial ban over noise concerns

Consultation follows growing calls from campaigners, vets and National Farmers’ Union for tighter regulation As the nights draw in, the season of sparklers begins, with Diwali, Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve among the occasions typically celebrated with fireworks.

But if campaigners get their way, this could be the last blast for bangers in the back yard. In January concerns about the noise and availability of fireworks were aired in a parliamentary debate , with two petitions clocking up more than 180,000…