Calls to ban toddler death blinds

Muireann McLaughlin got tangled in the blinds in her bedroom

A local MP has promised to campaign in Westminster for a ban on looped window blind cords, following the death of a two-year-old girl.

Muireann McLaughlin, from Menstrie in Clackmannanshire, died after becoming tangled in the cord at her home.

Her father called for the products to be outlawed after the accident on 5 February.

Now Gordon Banks MP has said he will introduce a motion on the issue and seek a debate in the House of Commons.

'Unacceptable figure'

The MP for Ochil and South Perthshire also plans to raise the issue with Baroness Morgan, who has responsibility for the British Standards Institute.

Mr Banks said: "I hope that a change in the acceptable standards of blind cords will ensure that no other family has to experience the tragedy that has been visited upon the McLaughlin's.

"Safety groups believe that looped blind cords kill up to two people per year and everyone agrees that this is an unacceptable figure.

"I would urge all parents to cut their cords now or replace them with the rigid turn-type controls.

"These blinds have been banned in the US for over 10 years and since 2004 in Australia and sadly we have not followed suit here in the UK."