Latest editorial
Firefighters at the scene after a blaze at a block of flats on Freshwater Road in Dagenham, East London, August 26, 2024
FIREFIGHTERS have warned that government cuts to fire and rescue services will put lives at risk in England.
Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright warned that “austerity under a Labour government is still austerity,” pushing back against a real-terms cut to services across England.
“Next time there is a fire, a flood, or an extreme weather event, the public will ask why their fire service is unable to respond effectively,” Mr Wright said.
Since 2010, one in five firefighter jobs has disappeared alongside 30% funding cuts — all while climate breakdown brings record blazes and flooding. It’s time to fund our fire service properly, writes FBU general secretary STEVE WRIGHT
The FBU is demanding 52 weeks of full pay for women firefighters, highlighting the unique health risks they face — and the continuing need to recruit and retain more women if policies like this are still not in place, writes SEONA HART
