The Killjoy MPs have been trying to instruct families on where and when to put up their Christmas lights, in the latest chapter of nannystate interference.
Scrooge politicians across all parties say people with bright holiday lights – which is often done to help raise funds for charity – need to think about turning them off.
According to MPs, people should take their counsel into consideration when celebrating Christmas.
The chairman of the Dark Skies All Party Parliamentary Group Andrew Griffith said some displays were so bright if they had been in Bethlehem the three wise men would never have found baby Jesus.
Light pollution issues and electricity waste are real environmental concerns and the Energy Saving Trust say the UK could fill 15,500 hot air balloons with the carbon dioxide produced by our Christmas lighting each year.
But after a torrid 18 months dealing with the coronavirus pandemic and restrictions imposed by Boris Johnson’s government, many will be asking if MPs trying to curb the nation’s festive inclinations is wise.
Helen and John Attlesey’s Christmas decorations at their home in Soham, Cambridgeshire, is adorned with thousands of eco-friendly LED lights for charity.
Last year it raised over £25,000 for charities including Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, who saved their grandson’s life after he developed epilepsy aged six.
Helen and John Attlesey decorated their Soham house every year since almost a decade in order to raise funds for three charities.
They have been dazzling the world with their light show for over a decade and now raise money to support East Anglia Children’s Hospices. Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. Dreamflight.
Barry Gardiner and Andrew Griffith are just two of the MPs calling for less Christmas lighting
Mrs Attlesey (70), who claimed they had a large monthly energy bill, stated that they were doing it for the community and charitable causes.
She said: ‘Cop26 has put the issue of climate change in people’s minds, and I’m very proud to have always used LED lights on my house because they’re more environmentally friendly.
“I recommend that anyone with Christmas lights use them the same way as me. While it is unlikely that people will reduce the amount of Christmas lights they purchase, they should still use LEDs whenever possible.
Mrs Attlesey stated that “people understand why it is so early” – it’s something they enjoy. She explained to The Telegraph that she was trying to assist people and not do it just for herself.
Different ideas were shared by MPs, who joined forces with environmental activists to urge restraint.
Helen and John Attlesey have created Christmas decorations that are LED-powered, which is better for the environment than other bulbs.
Neighbors and children donate their money for good causes to enjoy bright lights.
Designs include Christmas figures, such as reindeers or Father Christmas.
Because the house is large, the couple has a lot of room to light each year.
Andrew Griffith MP (Conservative chairman of the Dark Skies All Party Parliamentary Group) said that while we need festive cheer, too much outside lighting can be distracting. If it was in Bethlehem the three wise men wouldn’t have seen or been guided by the stars to Jesus.
“A compromise is for homeowners to use timers to ensure that their lights do not go out all night and cause distress and confusion to neighbors.
Philip Dunne is a Conservative MP who said that LED lighting can be used to reduce the impact on the environment and ensure neighbours don’t get disturbed when decorating homes for Christmas.
Barry Gardiner (Labour MP) is a member of Parliament’s Environment Committee. He called for people to “consider their own individual behavior.”
“I wish that they will think more about others than just their own contribution to energy conservation.
Shailesh Vara (Conservative MP for North West Cambridgeshire, and former member on the Environmental Audit Committee) told Telegrpah that it was time to take serious actions if we want to make the planet safer and more sustainable for future generations. It does require us all to think about what we could change in our daily lives and then take those steps.
A spokesperson for the Green Party said that they had to balance out having too many lights over our heads with their effects on the planet.