Jon Pearce MP welcomes Government move to consider ban on disposable barbecues

High Peak MP Jon Pearce has welcomed the Government’s announcement that it will consider introducing a ban on disposable barbecues, following his campaign to tackle the wildfire risk posed by their use in public spaces.

The announcement comes after a summer of devastating wildfires across the UK, including major fires in High Peak which have destroyed hundreds of hectares of protected moorland, damaged wildlife habitats and required a significant response from Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service and partner agencies.

Jon Pearce MP has been campaigning for action on disposable barbecues after securing commitments from major retailers to remove them from sale in High Peak. Morrisons, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Co-op and Tesco have all agreed to stop selling disposable barbecues in their stores nationally following his campaign.

B&M has so far refused to remove disposable barbecues from sale, despite the growing evidence of the wildfire risk they pose. Jon is urging the retailer to reconsider its position and join the growing number of retailers taking action to protect our countryside.

Aldi, Lidl, Waitrose and M&S had already stopped selling disposable barbecues in 2022.

Jon Pearce MP recently called on the Government to ban the use of disposable barbecues in public spaces.

Jon Pearce MP said:

“It is hugely welcome that the Prime Minister has said he will consider imposing a ban on disposable barbecues.

“He is right that the message needs to go out loud and clear that people should not be using disposable barbecues in public places at this time.

“I am grateful to all the national retailers who supported my campaign to suspend the sale of disposable barbecues this summer.

“But we need to be in a better place next summer. Last year was the worst on record for wildfires. This year will surpass it.

“We need to accept our climate has changed and put in place measures to adapt, and one of those is banning the use of disposable barbecues in public places.

“With the Prime Minister’s support on this, we can reduce the risks of wildfire and protect our precious environment.”

Jon is continuing to call for legislation to ban the use of disposable barbecues in public spaces, while welcoming the Prime Minister’s support for considering further action.