YORK MP Julian Sturdy has thrown his weight behind calls to ban flying Chinese lanterns and urged the Government to follow other countries’ lead by outlawing them.

Mr Sturdy dubbed the lanterns “flying death traps” when he spoke in the House of Commons on Thursday.

He said: “Following the new year celebrations, farmers in my constituency have voiced their concerns about the dangers of Chinese lanterns, not only to the welfare of their livestock, but to property and, ultimately, their livelihoods.”

Bans are already in place in Germany, Spain, Australia and much of South America but Farming Minister George Eustice rejected Mr Sturdy’s calls, saying an independent study showed the risk to animal welfare was low.

Mr Sturdy wants constituents to contact him with their views.