Press and Photo Gallery
Kirkhope Calls for Channel Tunnel Safety Authority Inquiry
Brussels, 12th September 2008 -- Conservative transport spokesman in Europe, Timothy Kirkhope MEP, has today called for a full Channel Tunnel Safety Authority inquiry into the cause of yesterday's fire, and a thorough review of all procedures to ensure lessons are learnt.
Mr Kirkhope, who was due to enter the tunnel on a Eurostar train shortly after the fire began, said serious questions must be answered regarding the safety of goods allowed into the tunnel - particularly combustible chemicals.
Mr Kirkhope said:
"The Channel Tunnel Safety Authority must now launch a full inquiry to determine the cause of the fire and whether procedures were adequate.
"There must be a thorough review of the authorisation of combustible chemicals such as phenol through the tunnel. Many people will be asking why such chemicals are granted authorisation when even LPG passenger cars are banned for safety reasons.
"While thankfully nobody was killed in this incident, two significant fires in eleven years should act as a wake-up call for regulators.
"There are always lessons to be learnt from these incidents, and a detailed inquiry will enable the Channel Tunnel Safety Authority and the operators to restore full passenger confidence in the tunnel."
