Graham Leadbitter has welcomed plans for a temporary ban on disposable barbecues following another summer of serious wildfires and says he will now push for the restriction to become permanent.
The Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey MP responded to the Prime Minister’s announcement after communities and emergency services in his constituency faced the recent Cairngorms wildfire.
Disposable barbecues have increasingly come under scrutiny during periods of hot and dry weather because of the danger they can pose when used or discarded irresponsibly.
The temporary restriction has particular significance across the Highlands following consecutive summers in which wildfires have affected communities, landscapes and emergency services.
Mr Leadbitter stressed that the cause of the most recent Cairngorms fire has not been established as a disposable barbecue.
He nevertheless argued that evidence from previous incidents demonstrates the potential danger posed by the products during periods of heightened wildfire risk.
Graham Leadbitter MP said:
“While we can’t be sure right now whether the most recent fire was caused by a temporary BBQ we have plenty of evidence that shows they’ve contributed to similar incidents and pose a real threat to our environment during heatwaves like the one we’ve just witnessed.
“I’m happy to give credit where it’s due and support the Prime Minister’s announcement that they’ll be banned temporarily.
“I know this will also be appreciated by local people and first responders in my constituency who were on the frontline against the cairngorms wildfire recently.
“What’s clear to me though is that these products have the potential to create real and lasting damage to our environment and communities every year, and that a permanent ban on disposal BBQs is needed.
“I’ll happily work across party lines and with all layers of government to secure a permanent ban on these dangerous items.”
The intervention comes as land managers across Scotland continue to warn visitors about the consequences of lighting fires during periods of elevated wildfire risk.
Recent incidents in the Highlands have included campfire scars discovered at Broadford Forest on Skye, while the scale of the Glenmore wildfire has demonstrated how difficult and resource intensive major incidents can become.
For communities around the Cairngorms, the issue is no longer an abstract argument about what people should be allowed to take on a day out.
The temporary ban addresses the immediate risk, but Mr Leadbitter’s intervention moves the political argument towards what happens when the current restrictions eventually end.
His position is now clear: rather than waiting for another dry summer and another period of heightened danger, he wants disposable barbecues removed permanently.
