Keir Starmer's promise to prevent another Awaab Ishak tragedy

Labour will 'support whatever measures necessary' to prevent another tragedy like the death of Awaab Ishak in Rochdale, Keir Starmer told an audience in Manchester this morning (February 23). The Labour Party leader said he was 'absolutely shocked' when he learned of the two-year-old's death.

Awaab died in December 2020 following prolonged exposure to mould in his home on the Freehold Estate. His inquest last November heard Rochdale Boroughwide Housing were aware of the issue for several months before his death, but had failed to act.

The Manchester Evening News has launched a campaign for Awaab's Law in an attempt to make sure what happened to the toddler is not repeated - by forcing social landlords to fix damp and mould within strict time limits. Working with Shelter and Change.org where a petition has attracted more than 173,000 signatures so far, the campaign is backed by Awaab's family.

READ MORE: Thousands of patients in Greater Manchester were stuck waiting in ambulances outside hospitals last year

Earlier this month, the government tabled amendments to the Social Housing Regulation Bill in Parliament to make Awaab's Law a reality. A consultation will be launched later this year to set the timeframes within which landlords will have to investigate health hazards such as damp and mould and make repairs.

Speaking in Manchester city centre this morning, Sir Keir set out Labour's 'five bold missions for a better Britain' which will be the 'backbone' of the party's election manifesto. After his speech, the Labour leader was asked whether his party would support the M.E.N.'s campaign for Awaab's Law in Parliament.

He said: "Everybody, when we saw that case, was absolutely shocked. Of course we have to support