Let us crack down on flares, Liverpool City Council tells government

Liverpool Council has urged the government to hand down more powers to deal with smoke bombs and flares, after a report found 23 people were burned during last year's Liverpool FC title parade.

Leader Liam Robinson made the call after it was found at least 12 children and teenagers were injured as a result of pyrotechnic devices.

Robinson wrote to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood asking her to give town halls more power to deal with high-risk situations, following the publication of a report into the planning of the 26 May 2025 parade, which was marred by over 100 fans being injured when Paul Doyle drove a car into crowds.

"Liverpool has a proud history of hosting major events, with many more scheduled over the next few years, it's important that we learn lessons from each event," Robinson said.

The independent report found planning for the Liverpool FC victory parade was "detailed and effective" and the city "could and should" hold events of its kind again.

Author Eric Stuart said it had been "by far the largest football parade of its kind held within the city, and perhaps within the country, in recent years."

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