Meeting of the Parliament (Hybrid) 29 June 2022
I will turn now to some of the contributions that we heard this afternoon.
I am afraid to say that the Conservatives’ speeches were quite dismal. I thought that their tone was entirely wrong, and that they are quite out of step with the support that has been shown for the bill by the public and the many stakeholders that support the provisions in the bill.
Predictably, the point about the black market was raised again during the debate. As I have said on many occasions, displacement was fully considered during the development of the proposals. I did not think that it was a compelling argument then and I do not think that it is one now. It is like saying that people will circumvent laws on alcohol or air weapons, so we should not have any restrictions. It is a nonsensical argument. If we were going to take that approach, there would be no public safety legislation at all, and I am not sure that that is quite what the Conservatives are suggesting should be the case.
Willie Rennie raised some pertinent examples of why the bill is needed, and he asked me about keeping the law under review if the bill is passed this evening. I can give that assurance to the chamber. The provisions will be kept under review, they will be monitored and they will be updated if that is found to be required.
Audrey Nicoll highlighted the support of clinical associations for the bill, and she mentioned the serious nature of many of the firework injuries that those organisations have to deal with.
Maggie Chapman highlighted the negative impacts of fireworks on pets, wildlife and the environment. I also agree with her assessment of the limitations and, often, compromises that are involved in drafting legislation in our devolved settlement, which is something that seems to have escaped the Conservatives entirely.
I agree with Stuart McMillan, who spoke movingly of things that he had seen and witnessed in Greenock, and of the support that this legislation would be shown by the public in his constituency.
As members will be aware, a range of stakeholders have expressed support for the bill. That includes the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Police Scotland, the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the National Autistic Society, among many others. Just last week, a coalition of seven medical institutions, including the British Medical Association and the British Burn Association, wrote to me to express their support for the bill. Their letter highlights that they welcome the legislation and believe that it will ensure that, although fireworks will still be able to be enjoyed, that can be done more safely and more responsibly. I was particularly struck by the sobering observation that was made by the president of one of the associations, who said that, if the new legislation prevents just one severe burn or one mutilating eye or hand injury, it will all have been worth while. I agree.
If Parliament passes this bill today, we will be taking a significant step towards reducing the harm, the stress and the injuries that can be caused by fireworks and pyrotechnics.
I know that the safety and wellbeing of the people of Scotland is something that all members, regardless of our party affiliations, will agree is of prime importance and is a worthy aim to be united in working towards. For that reason, I invite members to agree to the passing of the bill.