POLITICIANS are backing a campaign launched by the family of a toddler who drowned in a swimming pool on holiday.

Loui Aspinall died during a family holiday at The Houda Golf and Beach Resort in Tunisia on Septamber 25 last year.

There were no lifeguards present or trained first aiders on site to assist Loui, who was approaching three years of age at the time of his death.

His parents Gavin Aspinall and Emma Hollingsworth, from Hindley Green, have since launched a campaign to get strict safety regulations at hotels in the UK and across the European Union.

Gavin said: “People don’t expect to find themselves in this position so don’t think to check safety measures before travelling.

“It’s not highlighted in the brochures but it needs to become a priority to stop any further fatalities.”

Ashton and Makerfield MP Yvonne Fovargue is supporting Loui’s parents and they have together raised the issue with MEP Afzal Khan.

Ms Fovargue said: “This is really important. When people book holidays they just assume safety regulations are in place. As we have learned with this tragic story, this is sadly not the case and must be changed. We need to make sure that standards are set and apply right across Europe.

“With Afzal’s help we want to raise this up the agenda and make it a priority for the new European parliament.”

Gavin and Emma were horrified to learn at their son’s inquest that little has been done to rectify the matter at the Tunisian resort.

Mr Khan said: “At the loss of their child, Loui's parents have suffered a tragedy beyond repair.

"I will personally push for a common EU standard for safety around pools to prevent any such further loss.”

To sign Gavin and Emma’s e- petition, visit epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/64474.