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73 MPs now calling for an end to untested cladding

The number of MPs calling for a ban on a controversial method of signing off untested cladding has risen to 73.

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Picture: Getty
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The number of MPs calling for a ban on a controversial method of signing off untested cladding has risen to 73

Today, 44 MPs wrote to housing secretary James Brokenshire with a list of demands over fire safety in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire. These included asking him to end the practice of ‘desktop studies’, which allow combustible materials to be used in cladding without testing.

They also urged him to install sprinklers in all social housing tower blocks, to “reconsider” the use of combustible cladding, and to ensure that dangerous cladding is removed and replaced.

The call for sprinklers is a key ask of Inside Housing’s ‘Never Again’ campaign.

In March, a group of 47 cross-party MPs signed a letter calling for a ban on desktop studies. The new signatories of today’s letter takes the number of MPs who have called for such a ban to 73.


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Nearly 50 MPs warn against including use of desktop studies in fire regulationsNearly 50 MPs warn against including use of desktop studies in fire regulations

A desktop study involves taking data from previous tests on cladding and extrapolating results for untested cladding systems. The government says there has been “inappropriate and irresponsible” use of these studies and has made proposals to restrict them.

The government’s own analysis of these proposals, however, found that it would lead to more desktop studies being done, rather than fewer.

In its response to the consultation, issued today, major insurance firm FM Global said the proposals “do not address the fundamental issues with the accuracy of the tests”.

Chris Johnson, executive vice president at FM Global, said: “We simply do not have enough data from actual fire tests to know if the desktop assessments are reflecting how these materials would behave in a fire. Therefore, we have no confidence in them.

“The government proposals will not change the data that desktop assessments are based on and we are concerned they would in fact contribute to their wider use.”

The MPs’ letter reads: “There is overwhelming public support for action to protect people from fire. These common sense measures will help protect our constituents who live or work in high-rise buildings or who visit them.”

Led by Labour MP Steve Reed, who has been campaigning in Parliament on fire safety in 2018, the signatories to the latest letter include: Harriet Harman, David Lammy and Emma Dent Coad the MP for Kensington and Chelsea.

All the MPs named on the letter are from the Labour Party, except for Jo Swinson, a Liberal Democrat.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: “We are working with councils and fire services to help building owners take immediate steps to keep residents safe.

“Dame Judith Hackitt is also carrying out a review into building and fire safety, and she will report back shortly.”

Update: at 10.27 on 11.5.18 This story was updated to include a comment from a government spokesperson.


Related Files

Letter from 44 MPs to James BrokenshirePDF, 381 KB

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