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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Travel Advice
11 February 2025
Lead MP
Al Pinkerton
Surrey Heath
LD
Responding Minister
Mr Hamish Falconer
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Word Count: 6811
Other Contributors: 7
At a Glance
Al Pinkerton raised concerns about carbon monoxide poisoning: travel advice in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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:
Lead Contributor
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.
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
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
Government Response
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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Assessment & feedback
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.