Rees-Mogg warns over knee-jerk sky lantern ban

POLITICIANS should avoid a “knee-jerk” ban on sky lanterns, Commons Leader Jacob ReesMogg said.

The use of the small paper spheres, inside which a candle is lit, causing them to float into the sky, has grown in recent years.

Tory former minister Sir Greg Knight echoed the calls of the National Farmers’ Union for a ban on sky lanterns as he said they are a fire risk and endanger animals.

During business questions, he said: “Is the Leader of the House aware that they pose a fire risk to farmers’ crops and are a danger to animals if ingested?

“As they are in effect hazardous airborne litter, that invariably land on somebody else’s property, why don’t we ban them?”

Responding, Mr Rees-Mogg said: “I am very well aware of the concern my right honourable friend raises because it’s been raised with me by my own constituents and I’m aware of the concerns of farmers.”

He added: “I am always however reluctant to jump to the immediate conclusion that things should be banned.

“There may be a way of enjoying sky lanterns without endangering crops and endangering livestock.

“I think the knee-jerk reaction to ban is always something politicians should be a little bit careful of.”

BILL Bailey has admitted he does not know what he is in for on Strictly Come Dancing.

The comedian, pictured above, who grew up in Keynsham, is taking part in this year’s BBC One show, along with former home secretary Jacqui Smith, actress Caroline Quentin, reality star Jamie Laing and boxer Nicola Adams.

He told Good Morning Britain: “I don’t really know much about what’s going on. We haven’t really started properly at all. At this stage, I’m a little bit in the dark about it.”

He said: “Obviously I’ve seen the show”, but he added: “As far as the training and who I’m going to be dancing with... I’m still in the dark.”

The BBC show is expected to return to TV screens next month, for a shorter run than usual.