MP for Poplar and Limehouse Jim Fitzpatrick has tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) recognising the work of Electrical Safety First and its campaign to raise awareness of online sales of counterfeit electrical products.
The EDM calls on the Government to assess and tackle the number of dangerous counterfeit electrical goods being traded online – which contribute to thousands of domestic fires, and can cause significant injuries, in the UK each year.
Research by Electrical Safety First has found that sales of illegal, fake goods on social media are a growing trend and have increased by almost 15% in the last year – with seizures of fake mobile phones rising by over 50%.
Electrical Safety First director general Phil Buckle said: “We are delighted that Jim Fitzpatrick has raised this issue in Westminster and thank him for his commendation of Electrical Safety First and its work. There is a significant issue with counterfeit electrical products which becomes particularly pressing during the Christmas period, when people are looking for a bargain. Unlike fake designer clothes or pirate DVDs, counterfeit electrical products can contain sub-standard parts, which can cause serious damage to both people and property.”
