2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:39 pm on 2 November 2021.

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Photo of Lesley Griffiths Lesley Griffiths Labour 2:39, 2 November 2021

Thank you. This is certainly something that's raised on an annual basis. I've been very pleased to see that some supermarkets are not selling fireworks this year—I think because of the concerns that you've raised in your question. I think, unfortunately, we will see a reduction in the number of planned firework events, so it's interesting to see that some of the retail outlets have taken that decision. I'm well aware of the work that the RSPCA have been doing, and I absolutely support that, and certainly I know, when I was the Minister with responsibility for this, I had many discussions with UK Government Ministers to see what could be done, and I know the Minister for Climate Change is continuing to have those discussions. We certainly looked at what we could have in relation to silent fireworks, and while I do appreciate, as you say, it is an exciting time, and as the mother of a child who has a bonfire birthday, I'm very well aware of that, but I do think we need to think about particularly pets and animals. And for those of us with dogs who just tremble the whole time, I really do think this is something where we need to make some progress.