| The new bill asks for mandatory installation of fire sprinklers in UK schools |
A Coventry MP is calling for all new schools and colleges to install automatic sprinklers to help prevent fires and save lives.
Jim Cunningham, Labour MP for Coventry South, said: "About 1,400 schools in the UK are damaged by fire each year, with almost a third occurring in daylight."
"The cost of the damage from the fires is estimated around £100m," he said. His Fire Safety (Schools) Bill was given a formal first reading in the House of Commons on Tuesday. However, it is unlikely to become law due to lack of parliamentary time. It is estimated that less than 200 schools out of 28,000 are fitted with fire sprinklers.
"All new nursery, primary and secondary schools, academies and technology colleges would be required to fit sprinklers under this bill," said Mr. Cunningham.