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36 Phonebox Magazine | December 2025As the Member of Parliament for Milton Keynes North, I have had the honour of attending a range of remembrance events across the constituency in recent weeks, including services in Castlethorpe and Newport Pagnell, as well as an incredibly moving remembrance concert in Hanslope. As the Member of Parliament for Milton Keynes North, I have had the honour of attending a range of remembrance events across the constituency in recent weeks, including services in Castlethorpe and Newport Pagnell, as well as an incredibly moving remembrance concert in Hanslope. It was a privilege to stand alongside the local community as we paused to remember those who gave their lives for our country, our safety and our freedom. Moments such as these remind us not only of the sacrifi ces made by previous generations, but also of the dedication shown by the brave personnel who continue to serve today in our armed forces. Lest we forget.I have also been engaging with concerns raised by local residents regarding the impact of fi reworks. There is no doubt that wellorganised public fi rework displays often serve as moments of celebration and togetherness, drawing families, friends and neighbours into shared spaces with a shared sense of excitement. I fully appreciate the joy and community spirit that these displays bring. These events are usually run responsibly, kept within defi ned timeframes and managed with appropriate safety measures. However, over the past month, a number of constituents have contacted me to share their experiences regarding unexpected fireworks being set off late at night or on evenings long after traditional celebrations have fi nished. In light of these concerns, I have joined calls for a thorough review of the current legislation to ensure it better refl ects the realities facing communities today.In Parliament, I met with the Fireworks Impact Coalition, a group made up of charities with extensive experience in public safety and animal welfare. Among the organisations represented were the RSPCA, the British Veterinary Association and the Children%u2019s Burns Trust, each providing evidence and fi rst-hand examples from their work.The issues they raised were wide ranging and deeply concerning. Many veterans who live with PTSD can experience severe distress when confronted with sudden explosions, especially when these Chris CurtisMP for Milton Keynes NorthAs always, please follow my Facebook page (@ChrisCurtisLabour) for frequent news and updates from both Westminster and our constituency. If you ever need my assistance, or would like to attend one of my constituency surgeries, please don%u2019t hesitate to get in touch with my offi ce via chris.curtis.mp@parliament.ukoccur without warning. Parents have reported an increasing number of children needing hospital treatment for burns. These are tragic incidents that often happen in unsupervised or poorly supervised settings. Veterinary professionals are seeing frightened pets who have panicked and injured themselves while trying to escape the noise. Unexpected fi reworks can cause distress and harm that may not be noticed immediately.In recent weeks I have received many heartfelt messages from constituents. Some describe feeling overwhelmed by the unpredictability and intensity of the noise. Others express deep concern for vulnerable relatives, anxious pets or neighbours dealing with signifi cant health challenges. Taken together, these experiences demonstrate the need for a more balanced and responsible approach.For these reasons, I have joined the Fireworks Impact Coalition in supporting increased regulation. In my view, this represents a fair and sensible way forward. It allows people to continue enjoying special occasions while reducing the unintended harm that can result when fi reworks are not used responsibly. Achieving this balance is essential if we want to protect public wellbeing without diminishing opportunities for celebration.Looking ahead, as we move closer to the festive season, I want to take a moment to highlight a project I will be running throughout December. Using my social media platforms, I will be launching an advent calendar campaign that shines a light on some of the remarkable charities operating in Milton Keynes. Each day for the fi rst 24 days of the month, I will profi le a diff erent charity, sharing the story of the work they do and the positive diff erence they make to people in our local area. My hope is that this campaign will bring attention to the organisations that keep our community strong, resilient and compassionate.As December approaches, I am very much looking forward to attending the many festive events taking place across Milton Keynes, Olney, Newport Pagnell and our wonderful villages. These gatherings are always a highlight of the year, off ering a chance for us to come together, celebrate the season and appreciate the sense of community that defi nes our area. If you are running any events during the festive period, please feel free to let me know at chris.curtis.mp@parliament.uk, I%u2019d be delighted to come along if I can.I wish you all a happy, peaceful festive season and a bright start to the New Year. As always, please follow my Facebook page (@ChrisCurtisLabour) for regular news and updates from both Westminster and our constituency.