MP Tom Morrison has called for increased awareness of methanol poisoning as a lasting tribute to solicitor Simone White, whose death highlighted dangers in international travel. The effort follows a parliamentary roundtable last week that brought together bereaved families, industry leaders, and government officials to discuss ways to prevent similar tragedies.
Roundtable Brings Families and Industry Together
Lib Dem MP Morrison and Labour MP Jim Dickson hosted the meeting, attended by parents of Simone White and other victims, including Kirsty McKie and Greta Otteson. Representatives from Airlines UK, Heathrow Airport, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) also participated. Morrison, who represents McKie’s family, emphasized the need for collaboration between the travel sector and government.
“We have agreements for further meetings with Manchester and Heathrow to talk about how we can use the infrastructure in airports to promote the campaign more,” Morrison said. The discussion included strategies for using airport spaces to educate travelers about methanol risks.
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Risks Beyond Spiking
Morrison stressed that methanol poisoning is not solely about spiked drinks. “People need to understand the issue is where drinks are being brewed, made or concocted in a very harmful way by very bad people,” he said. One death occurs every 18 hours, according to data shared at the meeting.
He highlighted that buying alcohol from duty-free shops is safer than purchasing in certain destinations like Bali and Laos. “It’s far safer to buy spirits at duty free than in some of the countries we’re talking about,” he noted.
Legacy Through Awareness
The event aimed to honor Simone White’s memory by preventing future deaths. “This is for Simone, Kirsty and anyone else who has been impacted. Their legacy cannot be what happened to them. If we can save lives going forward, that’s the greatest legacy to give in their memory,” Morrison said.
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Solicitor Hannah-Mei Grisley, who worked with Simone at Squire Patton Boggs, attended the roundtable. She praised the meeting as a step forward. “The FCDO and travel partners agreed to consider how more touchpoints in a traveller’s journey could help educate people,” Grisley said.
Expanding Campaign Reach
Proposed measures include posters in airport restrooms, tannoy announcements, and messaging on airport WiFi. These efforts aim to reach travelers before they leave the UK. Grisley expressed hope that the FCDO’s summer campaign would reduce future losses.
“We look forward to supporting the methanol awareness campaign launched by the FCDO this summer to ensure that travellers know how to enjoy their holidays safely,” she added.
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The FCDO’s campaign is set to begin this summer, with industry partners committing to expand outreach. Morrison and Dickson plan to hold more meetings with airport authorities to refine strategies.
Challenges Ahead
Despite progress, challenges remain. Morrison acknowledged the need for sustained effort. “The travel industry needs to step up,” he said, referencing the FCDO’s existing awareness campaign. He emphasized that airports have a unique role in educating travelers about methanol risks.
The MP noted that changing behavior requires long-term commitment. “It’s not enough to have a one-time message. We need consistent reinforcement across all points of contact,” he added. The department and its partners are working to integrate safety information into daily operations at airports and other travel hubs.
