Local MPs support Hertfordshire Firefighters lobby to the PM
3rd March 2006
Mike Penning and David Gauke joined local firefighters outside 10 Downing Street calling for an end to the cuts in the fire service.
Dacorum’s two MPs, Mike Penning and David Gauke, joined firefighters in lobbying No.10 Downing Street to save fire stations threatened with closure.
Local firefighters, who were in the frontline of December’s explosion and massive fire at Buncefield Oil Depot, had been invited by the Prime Minister to 10 Downing Street to pay tribute to their bravery and courage in fighting what has been described as the largest fire in Europe since the end of World War 2.
During the reception, firefighters tackled the PM on plans to cut back the number of fire stations in Hertfordshire and also changes to the rules of attendance times.
Mike Penning said:
“In typical fashion, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has forced the fire service to undertake additional fire prevention duties without providing any funds. I call on the Government to provide funding to cover new regulations.”
David Gauke added:
“Hertfordshire's firefighters have taken this issue to Downing Street because they recognise that central government policies are instrumental in the cuts we face in Hertfordshire. I hope the Government will listen to what our brave firefighters are saying.”
Photo: Mike Penning with David Gauke MP for SW Herts and Matt Rack, General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union and Hertfordshire firefighters at Downing Street.
