THERE is no excusing the Halloween violence in Edinburgh in which fireworks were used, although the long-term solution must be reduction in income inequality and wealth inequality: less unequal societies don’t suffer from such problems. But in the short term we should ban the sale of dangerous explosives. How many consultations on firework control have there been, with the same result every time? – “OK, but people like them.”

READ MORE: Second teen charged after police targeted with fireworks in Edinburgh

Animal distress – “But people like them.” People kept awake at random in the small hours, whether it’s a football victory or somebody’s birthday – “But people like them.” Veterans with PTSD – “But people like them.” Fireworks through vulnerable people’s letterboxes – “But people like them.” Violence involving fireworks in the streets and at football matches – “But, em...” Actually, if you’ve seen one average firework, you’ve seen them all. Let’s see the back of them.

Derek Ball
Bearsden