Crackdown on the misuse of fireworks
On Sunday we would usually have all come together at ceremonies nationally and locally to pay tribute to and remember those who sacrificed their lives in conflicts and wars, as well the service men and women who continue to put their lives at risk for the freedom we all enjoy.
It is a sad sign of these times that because of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic that commemorations this year were not able to be held in the usual way.
However communities across Stirling and Clackmannanshire and Scotland came up with innovative and thoughtful ways to mark the occasion, and like many others, I paid my respects individually and laid a wreath at a local memorial.
Over the last week, I have been contacted by many concerned constituents about the use and sale of fireworks.
We know the noise of fireworks can have a real impact on those with sensory issues, on pets and on livestock which is why I welcome the recommendations by the independent Firework Review Group, established by the Scottish Government, to introduce no firework zones and tighter restrictions on the use of fireworks to help tackle anti-social behaviour.
Locally and right across Scotland, there is widespread public support to crack down on the negative impact of antisocial firework use and I will support moves to make these recommendations a reality and help keep our local communities safe from the harmful use of fireworks.
I welcome the recent announcement by the Scottish Justice Secretary that Scottish miners convicted during the year-long strike in the
1980s are to be pardoned by the SNP Government following the publication of an independent review into the matter. This will be welcome news for miners and their families from across Stirling and Clackmannanshire who have suffered the consequences of these convictions for the last 35 years.
The last seven months have asked a lot of us all and we have had to make many sacrifices, large and small.
We have all worked so hard to stop the continued spread of coronavirus but despite all these efforts we have once again seen cases rise significantly, and worryingly hospital admissions increase.
The new strategic framework we are working within seeks to tackle the direct and very real harm to health and life caused by Covid whilst recognising the wider health harms that will result if our NHS is overwhelmed by Covid; the social harms caused by lockdown, such as increased isolation and inequality; and of course the economic harm suffered by businesses and workers across the country, which in turn causes physical and mental health problems.
None of these issues can be viewed in isolation and the best balances have to be struck in the interests of minimising the overall harm that the pandemic is causing.
On Monday we received a ray of hope with positive news on a potential vaccine for the virus however until this is widely available, we know that we can drive levels down because we did this back in the summer and I very much hope that we can do so again so that we can enjoy Christmas with as few restrictions as possible.
No firework zones will help tackle anti social use