Emma McClarkin (ECR). – Mr President, whilst it is very welcome that Parliament is having the debate this afternoon, I personally wish it did not have to happen in the wake of the terrible Grenfell Tower tragedy. I have been raising the need for a greater focus on fire safety in the EU for many years, calling for greater horizontal thinking in the legislative process and I now hope that the issue will become a priority for Member States and for Members right across the EU. But keeping this tragic event in mind, we must think what sensible steps Member States and the Commission can take.

It is the responsibility of Member States to ensure fire safety regulations and standards are applied by industry and enforced by public authorities. Prevention must be the priority going forward, which can only happen through the vigorous enforcement of existing rules relating to the design, construction and the maintenance of buildings. I hope that Member States and the Commission are able to work with industry and the necessary organisations and representatives to find a solution that makes the Grenfell tragedy the last.