SCOTLAND’S Justice Secretary has said she is “open to discussion” on a ban on the sale of fireworks to the public following widespread disorder on bonfire night.
Nine emergency workers were injured on Sunday as police and firefighters clashed with young people with fireworks and petrol bombs.
The worst disorder took place in the Niddrie area of Edinburgh, where police say around 50 youths were involved on Sunday on Hay Avenue in the city, in a repeat of scenes from last year in the same area.
Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland, Constance (below) said she would be open to a ban on fireworks sales, although Scotland does not currently hold the powers to do so.
“I’m open-minded about it, open to discussion,” she said.
“It’s not within our powers for an outright ban, but open to discussion.”
Her comments come in response to Edinburgh City Council leader Cammy Day, who said something would have to change before “someone is seriously, seriously injured”.
Speaking on Monday, First Minister Humza Yousaf, who criticised the “thuggish” and “reckless” behaviour from those involved, said he would consider such a move if it was within the Scottish Government’s powers.
He added: “But it shouldn’t require the Government to stop people throwing fireworks at fire officers, stopping them hurling bricks at our police officers – you don’t need legislation to know that that is unacceptable.”
Former children and young people’s commissioner, Tam Baillie, said on the same programme on Tuesday that cuts to youth services in deprived areas could have been a factor in the disorder.
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But Constance said: “I would dispute that, but the point that Baillie makes about prevention is an important one and this Government continues to invest in preventative services.”
The Justice Secretary pointed to the CashBack for Communities programme, which redirects fund seized by police under the Proceeds of Crime Act to youth services, and the violence reduction framework, as such investments.
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