David Stewart MSP

Local MSP David Stewart, Labour has travelled to Westminster  to talk to members of the All-Party Parliamentary Fire Safety and Rescue Group to suggest ways the campaign for sprinklers in homes can be progressed in England.

David Stewart successfully put forward a Member’s Bill on ensuring sprinklers were incorporated into all newly built social housing.

Last month the Scottish Government said it would take forward his Bill.

The plans received overwhelming support, with 94% of the consultation responses in favour and was supported by 60 MSPs from five political parties.

The Scottish Government said it would include the requirement for fire sprinklers in social housing as part of its response to the recommendations from the Building and Fire Safety Review Panels.

David Stewart intends to work closely with the Scottish Government and will continue to campaign to ensure that this new requirement makes it onto the statue books as soon as possible.

Westminster’s All-Party Parliamentary Fire Safety and Rescue Group is particularly supportive of retrofitting sprinklers into high-rise flats.

David Stewart said:

By Natalie Oxford via Wikimedia Commons

“Although the legislative process is different in England, I know there is growing interest in how sprinkler systems can avoid catastrophes, especially with Grenfell and the tragic loss of life,” said Mr Stewart.

“Fire sprinklers have been proven time and time again to be effective in the fight against fire and I know that this move will save lives.

“I hope my research and experience can add to the campaign south of the border and my hope is that, as fire sprinkler technology becomes more widely used, eventually all homes will be protected by this life saving technology.”

From September 2013 all newly built homes  in Wales  have to be fitted with automatic fire sprinklers .