Liam Robinson has written to the Home Secretary in the aftermath of the report into last summer's LFC title parade
Leader of Liverpool City Council Liam Robinson
Leader of Liverpool City Council, Cllr Liam Robinson(Image: Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
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The leader of Liverpool Council has urged the Home Secretary to give councils greater powers to clamp down on the use of smoke bombs in public places. An independent report into the Liverpool FC title parade last May revealed more than a dozen people under the age of 18 received burn injuries as a result of pyrotechnics used on the day.
A total of 23 minor injuries were reported due to the use of such devices, which were deemed to be the highest single cause of injuries. Now, Cllr Liam Robinson has called on Shabana Mahmood to give town halls the ability to address high-risk situations.
This includes the power to remove dangerous scaffolding or other risks at height. In a letter to the Home Secretary, seen exclusively by the ECHO, Cllr Robinson said Liverpool had developed “experience and expertise” that could be shared at a national level.
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.”
Writing to Ms Mahmood, Cllr Robinson said it was important the council and city learned from that day last summer. He said: “On May 26th, 2025, Liverpool experienced what was initially a joyous event, as Liverpool FC celebrated victory in the Premier League with a parade through the streets which an estimated 1.2 million people enjoyed.
General view as the Liverpool team bus passes through fans in celebration during the trophy parade on May 26, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
A general view as the Liverpool team bus passes through fans in celebration during the Premier League trophy parade on May 26, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)(Image: Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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“Then, as the parade came to its conclusion, our city then suffered a devastating criminal act, as Paul Doyle drove his car into the crowd. Our thoughts remain with his victims, and those who still bear the mental and physical scars.
“As you know, Doyle was sentenced to 21½ years in prison, and at his trial we heard brave testimony from his victims, and those who heroically saved many lives. It was shown that Doyle acted with criminal intent, evading traffic management restrictions in place, and tailgating an ambulance that was attending a medical emergency.
“Liverpool has a proud history of hosting major events, with many more scheduled over the next few years, it’s therefore important that we learn lessons from each event.”
Leader of Liverpool City Council Liam Robinson, North West Ambulance Service's Dave Kitchin, Merseyside Police's Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims and Nick Searle, chief fire officer for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service
Leader of Liverpool City Council Liam Robinson, North West Ambulance Service's Dave Kitchin, Merseyside Police's Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims and Nick Searle, chief fire officer for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service
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Cllr Robinson said the review noted the “exemplary working” among Liverpool Council, Merseyside Police, Liverpool FC, medical teams, security providers, and emergency services. He added: “It contains important lessons for the delivery of major events across the country and indeed the world.
“I have accepted all the recommendations that are directed to us locally. Mr Stuart also makes a series of recommendations that requires action at a national level.”
The council leader used the letter to push the Home Secretary for additional powers for local authorities like Liverpool. He said: “National legislation does not currently allow local authorities to address high-risk situations in large crowds, including sufficient powers to remove dangerous scaffolding or other risks at height, or to prevent the use of flares and smoke devices.
“I hope you will seriously consider these recommendations and ensure that the experience and expertise developed here in Liverpool is available to support other major events. The safety of the public is paramount, and our shared objective is that moments of great local and national celebration can continue to be enjoyed long into the future.”