Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has written to Travelodge CEO Jo Boydell, urging her to “seriously engage with MPs” following a 2022 sexual assault at a Berkshire hotel. The assault involved a man who was wrongly allowed access to a guest’s room, leading to his conviction in February and a seven-and-a-half-year prison sentence.
Starmer Demands Improved Protections and Transparency
In his letter, Starmer described the incident as “utterly appalling” and emphasized the need for Travelodge to learn lessons and take concrete action to protect guests. He expressed concern that some MPs have yet to hear directly from Boydell, who declined to attend an open meeting with a larger group of parliamentarians. The Labour leader called violence against women a “national emergency” requiring urgent intervention.
Travelodge’s Response and Independent Review
Travelodge acknowledged past missteps, including an inadequate £30 compensation offer made to the victim, which it has since called “inappropriate.” The company has implemented immediate changes to its room access security policy and commissioned an independent review led by barrister Paul Greaney KC to examine security procedures and the handling of the incident. Boydell has met with MPs and government ministers, and the review will incorporate written input from concerned parliamentarians.
Government and Parliamentary Involvement
Ministers are reportedly exploring possible legislative measures to enhance hotel safety, alongside planned cross-party talks with the hotel sector. Victims’ minister Alex Davies-Jones confirmed that “nothing is off the table,” and Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reportedly interested in leading a future summit on the issue. Labour MPs Matt Bishop and Jen Craft are also developing a 10-minute rule bill targeting hotel safety reforms.
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