PM urges Travelodge to rethink stance after rift with concerned MPs

The Prime Minister has implored Travelodge to rethink its position after a disagreement broke out between the CEO and MPs over how to handle their concerns over its safety and security.

There was widespread outrage last week after details emerged of a sexual assault at the Travelodge in King Street, Maidenhead.

Kyran Smith, 29, of London Road in Staines, attacked a woman in her bed while she was staying at the hotel in December 2022. He was later sentenced to more than seven years in prison.

Following the conclusion of the case last month, police reports and media coverage revealed that Smith had used deception to gain access to the victim’s room, raising concerns about hotel security.

MPs criticised the fact he was able to obtain a key card without her knowledge and described the £30 refund offered by Travelodge as ‘insulting’.

Many signed a letter led by MPs Matt Bishop and Jen Craft calling for a meeting with the company.

Travelodge has since said it has updated its policy, with the changes now in place across all of its hotels and supported by training for its 12,000 customer-facing staff.

But row has broken out over whether Travelodge has done enough to meet with MPs over the matter.

During Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Mr Bishop expressed concerns that the CEO of Travelodge, Jo Boydell, had ‘refused to attend a meeting’ with MPs.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was ‘very concerned’ to hear this and ‘urged them to reconsider’.

Responding, Ms Boydell stressed that she did meet with key MPs and ministers on Monday, including the Prime Minister, Rachel Reeves, Mr Bishop and Ms Craft, and two MPs concerned specifically with tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG).

Lily Darling-Gunn, senior parliamentary assistant to Mr Bishop, said participants on Monday felt it was ‘a starting point’ and were ‘very clear’ there should be further meetings with all parliamentarians who felt strongly enough to sign the letter.

But they were ‘disappointed’ to hear that Ms Boydell intended to engage with the wider group of concerned MPs through written communication rather than meeting them on Wednesday.

“We think it is important that [Travelodge] hear from these parliamentarians, many of whom are experts in VAWG or have been involved in the hotel industry,” said Ms Darling-Gunn.

A meeting on Wednesday went ahead without Ms Boydell. MPs discussed what steps should be taken to prevent further such incidents in the hospitality industry.

In a statement, Ms Boydell said Travelodge’s ‘immediate priority’ is to progress the independent review and it has invited ‘all MPs interested’ to provide written contributions.

In addition, the company awaits ministers’ recommendation for a VAWG expert appointed to work with Mr Greaney on the review.

Ms Boydell added that she is ‘deeply sorry’ for the ‘significant distress’ experienced by the victim and would welcome and opportunity to meet with her and hear her thoughts on Travelodge can improve.