Written questions by Beales.

When he expects to complete the evidence-gathering process for deciding whether a review of fireworks legislation is required.

To inform any future decisions in relation to the regulation of fireworks, I will continue to engage with businesses, consumer groups and charities to gather evidence on the issues with and impacts of fireworks. This includes consideration of existing research into the impact of 120dB fireworks on animals and vulnerable groups, as well as evidence of action taken in other countries on this issue. Following the recent Westminster Hall debate on two e‑petitions relating to the sale of fireworks, I will be meeting with petition leads, campaigners and colleagues from across the House to provide updates and hear their feedback directly.

What assessment his Department has made of the implications for its policies of independent research into the impact of 120 dB fireworks on animals and vulnerable groups.

To inform any future decisions in relation to the regulation of fireworks, I will continue to engage with businesses, consumer groups and charities to gather evidence on the issues with and impacts of fireworks. This includes consideration of existing research into the impact of 120dB fireworks on animals and vulnerable groups, as well as evidence of action taken in other countries on this issue. Following the recent Westminster Hall debate on two e‑petitions relating to the sale of fireworks, I will be meeting with petition leads, campaigners and colleagues from across the House to provide updates and hear their feedback directly.

What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the 120 dB noise limit in protecting animals and vulnerable people from harm.

The Government is continuing to engage with businesses, consumer groups and charities, including those supporting animals and vulnerable people, to gather evidence on the issues with and impacts of fireworks to inform any future action and review into the current fireworks legislation. The Government launched a public campaign on fireworks safety for this year’s fireworks season. The campaign also featured new guidance for those running community fireworks events which recommends the use of low-noise fireworks to reduce the impact on communities, as well as social media materials that emphasise the risks from the misuse of fireworks.

Whether his Department plans to conduct a review into current fireworks legislation to determine whether it is fit for purpose and efficiently protects animals and vulnerable people.

The Government is continuing to engage with businesses, consumer groups and charities, including those supporting animals and vulnerable people, to gather evidence on the issues with and impacts of fireworks to inform any future action and review into the current fireworks legislation. The Government launched a public campaign on fireworks safety for this year’s fireworks season. The campaign also featured new guidance for those running community fireworks events which recommends the use of low-noise fireworks to reduce the impact on communities, as well as social media materials that emphasise the risks from the misuse of fireworks.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Employment Rights Bill on (a) drivers employed by app companies, (b) couriers employed by app companies and (c) gig economy workers.

The impact of the Employment Rights Bill on those individuals will depend largely on their employment status. Individuals in the platform economy can be any status: employee, limb (b) worker, or self-employed, depending on the reality of the relationship between them and their employer.The Employment Rights Bill, once implemented, will represent the biggest upgrade of workers’ rights in a generation. It will raise the minimum floor of employment rights, raise living standards across the country and level the playing field for those businesses who are engaged in good practices.

What steps he is taking to improve the enforcement of fireworks regulations.

Enforcement powers exist for local authorities to take action when fireworks are unsafe, sold illegally or misused. Local authorities and the police also have powers to tackle anti-social behaviour caused by the misuse of fireworks. It is for local areas to decide how best to deploy these powers, based on their specific circumstances. To inform any future decisions I intend to engage with businesses, consumer groups and charities shortly after the fireworks season to gather evidence on the issues and impacts of fireworks.