MPs Demand Urgent Meeting with Travelodge CEO Following Maidenhead Sexual Assault
More than 20 Members of Parliament have called for an immediate meeting with the chief executive of Travelodge after a woman was sexually assaulted at one of its hotels in Maidenhead in 2022. The incident, which involved Kyran Smith gaining unauthorized access to the victim's room, has sparked widespread concern over the hotel chain's security protocols and its handling of the aftermath.
Conviction and Security Failures
Kyran Smith, aged 29, was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison last month after being found guilty of sexual assault and trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence. The attack occurred in December 2022 following a party, when Smith deceived reception staff at the Maidenhead Travelodge branch into providing him with the victim's room number and a key card by falsely claiming to be her boyfriend.
The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, reported that staff informed her Smith had passed security checks by supplying her name. This breach has led MPs to question the adequacy of Travelodge's safety measures for guests, particularly women travelling alone.
Inadequate Response and Refund Offer
In a letter addressed to Travelodge CEO Jo Boydell, MPs expressed alarm over the chain's response, which included offering the victim, now in her 30s, a £30 refund. The letter, signed by prominent figures such as former Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell, described this offer as "insulting" and inappropriate given the severity of the incident.
Travelodge has since apologised for how the refund was handled, acknowledging it was not suitable under the circumstances. The company stated it is currently reviewing its room security processes to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Political Backing and Demands
The letter, supported by 26 MPs including Labour members and Democratic Unionist party representative Jim Shannon, as well as Labour peer Jane Ramsey, outlines key demands for the proposed meeting. MPs seek to discuss how Travelodge made the refund decision, what internal reviews have been conducted since the assault, and how security procedures have been strengthened.
Matt Bishop and Jen Craft, Labour MPs who co-authored the letter, emphasised that the incident "raises deeply concerning questions about whether current policies provide sufficient safeguards for guests." They stressed that hotels have a fundamental duty of care to ensure guest safety and privacy, especially for solo travellers.
Travelodge's Statement and Ongoing Concerns
Travelodge has been contacted for comment regarding the MPs' letter. Previously, the company told the BBC: "The safety and security of our guests is our priority and we were deeply concerned to hear of this distressing incident and our sympathies are with the victim. We want to apologise to the victim for the way this incident has been handled."
Despite this apology, MPs remain vigilant, calling for transparency and improved protocols to restore public trust in the hospitality industry's commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals.
