Meeting of the Parliament (Hybrid) 29 June 2022
No. I am sorry, Mr Greene.
The incidents were concentrated in more deprived areas. I have seen that in my constituency. A few years ago, the riot police were called to a part of Greenock; there were horrendous scenes there that night. It is clear that there are considerable financial and resource cost implications for Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service when it comes to planning and preparing for 5 November and the days leading up to it each year.
There is also an impact on the NHS and the Scottish Ambulance Service, and common fireworks-related injuries are ones that affect hands and heads, as we heard. Mortars and rockets are responsible for the majority of serious eye and hand injuries, which often require specialist treatment and surgical intervention and are sometimes fatal, as we know.
Fireworks pollute the air with gases, particles and other elements that are potentially harmful to human health and the environment. That is another reason why the bill is so important.
Tougher action on sale and use of fireworks and tackling misuse of pyrotechnics have clear public support. I know that from people who have contacted me about the bill; I know that the bill will be supported in my constituency. I believe that the bill will be welcomed by many constituents across the country—especially by veterans, by people who have sensory issues or who live with someone who has sensory issues, and by pet owners, as others have highlighted. I will be pleased to vote for the bill tonight.