NORTH Ayrshire and Arran MP Patricia Gibson has again called for limits to be placed on the sale and use of fireworks.

She led a debate in the Commons for the SNP on Monday seeking to limit the sale and use of fireworks to organisers of licensed displays.

The use of fireworks is devolved, but their sale is reserved to Westminster.

Speaking ahead of the debate, sparked by a public petition attracting more than 301,000 signatures, Mrs Gibson said: “Millions of people enjoy fireworks displays safely at various events every year.

“Unfortunately, unsafe and antisocial use of fireworks can also cause a great deal of alarm and distress, particularly the elderly, young children, people with autism or mental health problems, as well as pets and livestock.

“Sadly, at this time of year we see the impact of the irresponsible use of fireworks within our communities, often set off at all hours, without warning.

This can also lead to accidents, injuries and violence which places extra pressure on our emergency services.

Eight firefighters were injured on November 5 alone.

“Organised displays, advertised in advance, allow people to take action to alleviate any distress fireworks can cause.

A recent Scottish Government consultation found that 87 per cent of people would welcome a ban on the sale of fireworks to the general public

“However, people upset by fireworks had their concerns airily dismissed by the Leader of the House, Jacob Rees-Mogg, who believes that calling for the regulation of fireworks makes me a ‘killjoy’ when I raised it with him in the House.

"This sums up the out of touch, cavalier Tory approach to sensible political discourse these days.

“They should devolve the necessary powers to Holyrood so it can tackle this problem.”