PM Urges Travelodge to Strengthen Guest Protections

On March 26, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has urged Travelog's chief executive, Joe Boydell,

to work closely with members of Parliament, following a sexual assault at one of their hotels.

Back in 2022, a man in Birchshar falsely posed as a guest partner, got access to her room

from staff, and attacked her.

He was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison last February, while the hotel

initially offered the victim just 30 pounds in compensation.

Later calling it inappropriate, and a direct letter to Boydell, the Prime Minister stressed

the need for stronger guest protections and quick lessons from the incident.

He welcomed her recent talks with some MPs and government figures like Chancellor Rachel

Reeves and safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips, but pushed.

For broader engagement to cover training, prevention, and response speeds, MPs leading the

push, including Matt Bishop and Jen Kraft, have criticized Travelog for not facing a full

group of lawmakers, calling it a, transparency shortfall.

The assault has spotlighted water safety issues for women in public spaces, with many voicing

fears over hotel security practices.

Travelog has rolled out immediate updates to room access rules, and launched an independent

review led by Barrister Paul Greeney, who specializes in security and violent crime cases.

They've also invited written input from all interested MPs, and sought government advice

on adding a violence against women expert to the probe.

Ministers are eyeing possible new laws on hotel safety, with cross-party discussions

playing across the sector, and potential summits ahead to drive.