MSP calls for sprinklers in new council houses

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

David Stewart, member for the Highlands and 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 Grenfell Tower blaze in London in June, when flames spread through the high-rise block, claiming around 80 lives.

Mr Stewart will launch a consultation on the proposals in the coming months, but he aims to change the law to place a duty on councils and housing associations to install 0 David Stewart says the plan is a common sense move sprinklers in new-build social housing.

The consultation will also consider if the legislation could be applied retrospectively to properties.

Mr Stewart said: “There is a small gap in our legislation that I think can be filled by a common sense proposal that will save lives.