Scottish Government must bring an end to the explosion of chaos and get tough on fireworks

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A well-organised fireworks display can be a thrilling spectacle for people of all ages. But if the explosive devices fall into irresponsible hands, they can cause serious injuries and damage property.

Bonfire Night and the week leading up to it has become an excuse for too many youngsters to cause disturbances and harass overworked emergency services. So it was an encouraging sign to see Police Scotland crack down on some of those responsible for the carnage.

But the police can only do so much. Despite repeated promises from the Scottish Government to get tough on the issue, fireworks remain too easily accessible to an irresponsible minority.

The Scottish Government likes to talk-up new fireworks laws it passed in 2022, but given the disorder seen in some parts of the country earlier this month, they have clearly had little effect.

The headline measure was supposed to be the introduction of a licensing system, including mandatory safety training, for people using fireworks. It was meant to be up and running already but has been pushed back to 2026, with financial pressures blamed.

The second key measure was supposed to be the creation of firework control zones, with bans on the devices being used between certain dates. Four were introduced in Edinburgh but appear to have made zero difference, given events this month.

Fireworks are enjoyed responsibly by the majority, but free rein is given to mindless idiots to use them as weapons. A proper licensing system must be established as a priority. The Scottish Government must get a grip on the situation before the next Bonfire Night comes around.

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Warming sign

Another hike in energy bills in January is the last thing anybody needs. The £21 price cap hike on New Year’s Day – totalling £170 since October – is not as high as previous increases but it fits the pattern of soaring energy costs we’ve become used to.

With Christmas around the corner and temperatures plummeting, many Scots will be worried about their finances. That so many suffer fuel poverty and are forced to choose between heating and eating in this country is a travesty.

That’s why Labour must move quickly to bring bills down. After the promises it made during the election to do just that, voters expect nothing less.

New state-owned energy firm GB Energy, based in Aberdeen, must get to work on easing the pressure on people’s bills. But we know that’s a longer term project. Other measures which can ease the burden on hard-up Scots in the short term must be looked at urgently.

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