Keir Starmer Urges Travelodge to Address Sexual Assault Case

In February 2023, Kyran Smith, 29, was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for sexually assaulting a woman at the Travelodge hotel in Maidenhead, Berkshire. The incident occurred after Smith deceived hotel staff into believing he was the victim's boyfriend, leading them to provide him with her room number and a keycard. Following this incident, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed significant concern regarding Travelodge's security protocols and their handling of the situation.

The Guardian

In a letter to Travelodge's chief executive, Jo Boydell, Starmer urged her to "seriously engage" with Members of Parliament (MPs) who had raised concerns about the hotel chain's practices. He emphasized the necessity for lessons to be learned from the incident and highlighted the importance of addressing the issues surrounding best practices for guest safety. Starmer noted that some MPs had not been able to meet with Boydell directly, which he found troubling. He stated, “It is incredibly important that lessons are learned and action is taken to better protect guests.”

Starmer urges Travelodge boss to engage with MPs after meeting cancelled

In response to the incident, Travelodge has initiated an independent review of its room security policies, led by barrister Paul Greaney KC, who specializes in public inquiries related to security and serious violent crime. Boydell confirmed that the company has made immediate changes to its room-access security policy and is appointing an expert on violence against women and girls to assist with the review. Additionally, MPs have been invited to contribute to the review process in writing.

The GuardianStarmer urges Travelodge boss to engage with MPs after meeting cancelled

More than 20 MPs have demanded a meeting with Boydell to discuss the incident and the hotel chain's security measures. They criticized the initial response from Travelodge, particularly the offer of a £30 refund to the victim, which was described as "insulting." Starmer welcomed the company's decision to engage with MPs and noted the importance of a comprehensive societal response to violence against women and girls.

The Guardian

Starmer reiterated his commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, describing it as a "personal mission." He called for the review to proceed swiftly, with a clear timeline and actionable outcomes. Travelodge has indicated that it will respond to the Prime Minister's letter and continue to engage with government officials and MPs to address the ongoing concerns.

The Guardian

• “I urge you to seriously engage with MPs and my Government to address the concerns that remain around best practice interventions for prevention, the training being made available and the pace of Travelodge’s response.” — Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister

Starmer urges Travelodge boss to engage with MPs after meeting cancelled

• “It is incredibly important that lessons are learned and action is taken to better protect guests.” — Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister

Starmer urges Travelodge boss to engage with MPs after meeting cancelled

• “This review should proceed at pace, with a confirmed timeline and a commitment to deliver the outcomes, so early findings can be acted upon immediately.” — Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister

The Guardian

The incident at Travelodge has sparked a broader conversation about hotel security and the protection of guests, highlighting the urgent need for systemic changes in response to violence against women and girls.

The Guardian