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Education on methanol poisoning

P003160 - 29 January 2026

Presentations: 1
Presenters: 1

At a Glance

This petition concerning education on methanol poisoning was presented to Parliament once by 1 MP.

Issue Summary

The petition addresses the issue of methanol poisoning among tourists due to contaminated bootleg alcohol, highlighting a tragic incident in Laos that resulted in multiple deaths, including Simone White.

Action Requested

The petitioners request that the House of Commons urge the Government to ensure that children and young people are taught about the dangers of consuming bootleg alcohol as part of the PSHE or biology curriculum in schools.

Key Facts

  • Six tourists died after consuming contaminated drinks at a hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos.
  • The incident occurred on 21 November 2024.
  • Methanol poisoning incidents have also been reported in Turkey and Vietnam.
  • Simone White was one of the victims, aged 28.

Presentation Timeline

MPs presented this petition on the following dates. Each card shows the presenters and any recorded remarks.

Presented
29 January 2026
Orpington
On 21 November 2024, Simone White lost her life, aged just 28, following a mass methanol poisoning incident. She was one of six tourists who died after consuming contaminated drinks served at a hostel in the tourist town of Vang Vieng in Laos. Alongside my right hon. Friend the Member for Sevenoaks (Laura Trott) and the hon. Member for Dartford (Jim Dickson), I have met members of Simone’s family who live in our respective constituencies. The incident has prompted them to campaign for increased awareness and education about the dangers of methanol poisoning abroad. The petition states: The petition of residents of the constituency of Orpington, Declares that bootleg alcohol poses a considerable danger to tourists and has, tragically, resulted in deaths in countries including Laos, Turkey and Vietnam. The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to ensure that children and young people are taught about the dangers of consuming bootleg alcohol as part of the PSHE or biology curriculum in schools.
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