A proposal to install sprinklers in all new social housing has been backed by Dumbarton’s MSP.

Jackie Baillie, of Scottish Labour, has welcome the member’s Bill proposal by Highland and Islands MSP David Stewart, who will launch a consultation on the move in the coming months.

The party aims to place a duty on local authorities and housing associations to install sprinklers in new build social housing.

However as part of his consultation he will also consider what action could be taken in the private rented sector and retrospectively.

Ms Baillie said: “The tragic loss of life at Grenfell Tower exposed the failures in the current system.

“Everyone needs to work together and look at every option to minimise the risk of another disaster in future. I welcome the proposed Members’ Bill because we know that sprinkler systems will save lives.

“Thousands of new social housing units will be built in West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute in the coming years and it makes sense to apply the highest possible fire safety standards.

“In addition, we should consider new ways to protect tenants in the private sector and residents in older social housing.”

David Stewart MSP said: “This is a simple change in law that will save lives.”

The Fire Brigades’ Union (FBU) welcomed the proposal and supports any new legislation that will enhance fire safety to the communities of Scotland.

FBU regional official Denise Christie said: “At the recent Local Government and Communities Committee evidence session on building regulations and fire safety, the FBU’s submission recommended that Scotland should follow the example of Wales and pass legislation to make the installation of sprinklers in all new dwellings compulsory.“The Grenfell Tower tragedy is the worse loss of life in a fire in peacetime Britain and we owe it to the victims, victims’ families and residents of Grenfell to do everything we can to avoid any future tragedies. “Government needs to listen to firefighters if it is going to address clear deficiencies in fire safety standards. This Fire Safety Member’s Bill is a step in the right direction and we hope every MSP gets behind it and supports.”