Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Travel Advice

11 February 2025 · 7 other contributors · 6,811 words

Opened by Al Pinkerton Lib Dem Surrey Heath

Responding minister: Mr Hamish Falconer

Foreign Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Al Pinkerton raised concerns about carbon monoxide poisoning: travel advice in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The debate highlights a case of Hudson Foley who died from undetected carbon monoxide levels in Ecuador.
  • Concerns are raised about under-recognition and misdiagnosis of carbon monoxide poisoning in post-mortem reports.
  • The Government is urged to increase awareness of CO poisoning risks among travellers and ensure accommodation providers implement safety measures.

Key requests to Government

The Government is urged to increase awareness of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning among travellers and ensure that all accommodation providers pay attention to CO safety measures.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Al Pinkerton Lib Dem Surrey Heath

The debate addresses the lack of accurate data on carbon monoxide-related deaths overseas, highlighting a case where Hudson Foley died from undetected carbon monoxide levels in Ecuador. The issue involves under-recognition and misdiagnosis of CO poisoning in post-mortem reports. Survivors face long-term health implications such as cognitive impairments.

Other contributors (7)
  • Andrew Rosindell Con Romford

    Committed to cross-party action and requested the Government to evaluate risks for British travellers abroad. Asked about statistics on deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning in recent years.

  • James Davies Con Hertford and Stortford

    Extends thanks to Members for their support, emphasizing the transformative effect of adding extra lines on web pages regarding carbon monoxide alarms.

  • Liam Fox Cons North Somerset

    Not mentioned in this chunk

  • Edward Morello LD West Dorset

    Emphasised the need for urgent government action, including updating travel advice to include warnings about CO poisoning risks and launching public information campaigns. Also highlighted failures in domestic regulations that leave vulnerable residents at risk.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Jim Shannon acknowledged the importance of raising awareness about carbon monoxide poisoning and its risks for British travellers abroad. He highlighted Northern Ireland's high rate of fatalities from CO poisoning, urging for discussions between the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Assembly.

  • Francois Con Bourne

    Asked the Minister to include carbon monoxide poisoning risks in standard travel advice.

  • Mark Francois Con Rayleigh and Wickford

    Mr Francois expressed hope that better precautions can be taken to save lives after tragedies like Hudson Foley's, agreeing with Dr Pinkerton’s view.

Government Response

Mr Hamish Falconer

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs

Acknowledged concerns about carbon monoxide poisoning abroad and committed to reviewing the inclusion of such risks in travel advice. Emphasised efforts to improve consular services and prevention activities, including collaboration with industry partners.

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