IRVINE and Kilwinning MSP Ruth Maguire has backed a review of fire safety in Scotland’s high rise flats.

She said: “It is incumbent upon us all to ensure that the tragic events that we saw at Grenfell never happen again.

“Scotland already has stringent building and fire safety regulations which contribute to keeping people safe, but it is important that we now undertake a thorough and critical review of regulations.

“That is why, following Grenfell, the Scottish Government set up a Ministerial Working Group made up of members of the Government and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

“This group will oversee a review of building and fire safety regulatory frameworks, with an initial focus on high rise domestic buildings – and will include a review of evidence on fire suppression systems, or sprinklers.

She added: “It is important to note that sprinklers have been a requirement only since 2005, and that there is no obligation on councils or social landlords to fit the systems in older tower blocks.

“However, it is correct that the current regulations be reviewed.

“The Scottish Government is working intensively with councils to establish the safety of high rise flats and determine the areas where further improvements to safety can be made.”