MEP’s fire success

North-West Euro-MP Arlene McCarthy has won the backing of the hotel industry for a new safety charter.

The Labour MEP says too many lives have been lost in hotel fires which could have been prevented.

She said: “Deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning in holiday resorts show that even the most basic safety measures are not in place.

“Our holidaymakers and business travellers booking hotels and resorts across Europe have no idea how safe their accommodation is.

“When booking a hotel you could literally be taking your life in your hands,” added Ms McCarthy, chairman of the European Parliament’s internal market and consumer protection committee.

She added: “European fire officers have seen terrifying examples of negligence — sprinklers without a water supply, covered smoke alarms and blocked fire exits.”

Ms McCarthy, whose campaign has been backed by TV safety campaigner, Nick Ross said: “Europe has to act. If you buy an iron you have a guarantee that it complies with specific safety standards.

“Booking a hotel should also come with a safety mark or guarantee.

“Hotels get a star marking for facilities and customer service, why not for meeting essential safety standards?”

Ms McCarthy’s committee commissioned a study on options to improve safety earlier this year.

After months of bringing together fire officers, the hotel trade and tour operators she has now achieved a major breakthrough with the agreement of the hotel industry to establish an EU-wide safety charter. across Europe

She said: “We told them in no uncertain terms that we want action.

“We just want our constituent to sleep safe and sound in their beds, whichever hotel or resort they book into in Europe.”