Calls for compulsory sprinkler systems in Scotland following Grenfell fire

All new council and housing association properties in Scotland could have sprinklers fitted in the future.

Labour MSP, David Stewart, wants to change the law in the wake of the Grenfell fire.

The 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 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 have put fire safety to the forefront of many people's minds. There is a small gap in our legislation that I think can be filled by a common sense proposal that will save lives.

Labour in government had a proud record of improving fire safety by passing the Buildings Act 2003 which required sprinklers in schools, residential care buildings and high-rise domestic buildings.

Now, I believe Scotland should follow the example of Wales and pass legislation to make the installation of sprinklers in all new dwellings compulsory.

That is why I am proposing a Bill to make sure all newly built social housing have a sprinkler system installed. This is a simple change in law that will save lives.''

The proposals have already won the backing of the Fire Brigades' Union, with regional officer Denise Christie stating the organisation had already called for Scotland to follow the example of Wales.

She added: ''The Grenfell Tower tragedy is the worse loss of life in a fire in peacetime Britain and we owe it to the victims, victims' families and residents of Grenfell to do everything we can to avoid any future tragedies.

Government needs to listen to firefighters if it is going to address clear deficiencies in fire safety standards. This Fire Safety Member's Bill is a step in the right direction and we hope every MSP gets behind it and support it.''