Early day motion 694

FIRE SERVICE INVESTMENT

Main content

That this House recognises that cuts to the fire and rescue service put the public at great risk; is deeply concerned that around 1,500 frontline firefighter jobs and over 700 support jobs were lost in the last year in the UK; notes that professional bodies throughout the service including the Fire Brigades Union are warning of further reductions, which could cut one in five firefighters compared with 2010 levels; is deeply concerned that more cuts will mean slower response times to emergencies; further notes that fire station closures and fewer appliances will devastate local communities; believes that the fire and rescue service, which costs around 50 per person per year, is exceptional value for money for a world-class emergency service; further believes that the service requires investment not cuts; and calls on the Government to ensure that the forthcoming local government settlement provides funding to ensure that there are no further cuts to the fire service.

• Session: 2012-13
• Date tabled: 06.11.2012
• Primary sponsor: Hoey, Kate
• Sponsors:
  • Clark, Katy
  • Corbyn, Jeremy
  • Davidson, Ian
  • Hopkins, Kelvin
  • McDonnell, John

Total number of signatures: 21 to date

The Fire Brigades Union has expressed grave concerns over proposals by the London Fire Brigade to close 17 fire stations and slash around 600 jobs

The plans, which were revealed in a leaked document, look set to be put before a meeting of the London fire authority on 22 November. The brigade was told by the mayor of London, Boris Johnson, to save £65m over two years, and senior managers have been working on proposals to meet that demand.The FBU’s regional secretary for London, Paul Embery, said: “These proposals present the biggest threat to the London Fire Brigade since the days of the Luftwaffe and would lead to the decimation of fire cover in London. The stations under threat of closure have stood proudly for generations, protecting local residents from bombs, fire and terrorism, yet Boris Johnson is about to hammer a ‘For Sale’ sign on to their front doors.

“Such a huge cut cannot be made without there being an impact on public safety, and we call on Londoners to join with us in defending our fire service.

“All around the country, chief fire officers are beginning to warn publicly of the danger of catastrophic cuts. So far, the commissioner of the London Fire Brigade, Ron Dobson, has remained silent, but surely now it is time for him speak up.

“The London Fire Brigade is a proud organisation with a fine history. But it is now facing possibly its greatest challenge. Its leaders must do the right thing and tell the politicians these cuts are wrong and dangerous. If they don’t do it, the FBU will.”

Contact

Paul Embery 07854 998 508

Notes to editors
List of stations earmarked for closure: Acton, Belsize, Bow, Clapham, Clerkenwell, Downham, Islington, Kensington, Kingsland, Knightsbridge, New Cross, Peckham, Silvertown, Southwark, Westminster, Whitechapel, Woolwich.
List of stations which would see a reduction in their firefighting capability: Chingford, Hayes, Leyton, Leytonstone.