Call for sprinklers in social housing after Grenfell horror

A Labour MSP wants to change the law in the wake of the Grenfell disaster to ensure all new council and housing association properties have sprinklers fitted.

David Stewart, member for the Highlands & Islands, said the move was a “common sense proposal that will save lives”.

His plans for a Member’s Bill at Holyrood are being brought forward after the blaze in London which claimed around 80 lives.

Mr Stewart will launch a consultation on the proposals in the coming months, and aims to change the law to place a duty on councils and housing associations to install sprinklers in new-build social housing.

The consultation will also consider if the legislation could be applied retrospectively to properties, and if it could be extended to cover the private housing sector.

Mr Stewart said: “The tragic events of the Grenfell disaster put fire safety to the forefront of many people’s minds.

“There is a gap in our legislation that can be filled by a common sense proposal that will save lives.

“Scotland should pass legislation to make installation of sprinklers in all new dwellings compulsory.”

The proposals have won the backing of the Fire Brigades’ Union, with regional officer Denise Christie saying: “We owe it to the victims, victims’ families and residents of Grenfell to do everything we can to avoid any future tragedies.”