Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Scott Arthur (Labour) on Wednesday, 2 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 4 September 2026. It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Thursday, 10 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Sky Lanterns: Regulation

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has undertaken a recent review of the risks to (a) livestock, (b) property and (c) the environment arising from the release of Chinese lanterns; and if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of a nationwide ban.

Answer

Local councils already have powers to apply local controls to restrict or ban the use of sky lanterns (including Chinese lanterns) on council or public land or issue a fixed penalty notice for littering.

Voluntary initiatives aimed at minimising the risks associated with sky lanterns also exist, including the Code of Practice for sky lanterns developed by industry to ensure that they are manufactured to be safe and are sold responsibly.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
26787
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Environment protection Livestock Property Sky lanterns Regulation Safety
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk