SCRAPPING SCHOOL SPRINKLERS

Early day motion 468, tabled 14 September 2016 by Baroness Hoey (Labour). Signed by 47 members.

That this House deplores the decision to scrap the expectation that sprinklers will be installed in all new school buildings except for low risk schools; believes that such a retrograde measure could compromise the safety of children, staff, local communities and firefighters; recognises that sprinkler systems help ensure swift evacuation from fires; notes that sprinklers have helped save 17 schools from major fire damage; further notes that the average cost of a large school fire is now £2.8 million; and calls on the Government to reintroduce these vital requirements forthwith.

Signatures by party: Labour 33, Labour/Co-operative 3, Conservative 2, DUP 2, Independent 2, Scottish National Party 2, Liberal Democrat 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1, UUP 1.