Petition against fire service privatisation nears 10,000 signatures

[Tom W]

http://www.fia.uk.com/en/Information/Details/index.cfm/Petition-against-fire-service-privatisation-nears-10-000-signatures

A new internet campaign has been launched to oppose government plans to privatise the 46 fire and rescue services in England.

Close to 10,000 signatures have already been received from members of the general public who oppose the idea on campaign website 38 Degrees, with hundreds more being added every day.

It comes after a letter from local government minister, Brandon Lewis, obtained by the Mirror, said that local fire and rescue authorities could look into contracting out their full range of services to "a suitable provider".

Mr Lewis said that while the proposals are "not without controversy", it would help remove barriers and increase choices available to them as many face budget cuts.

However, critics have slammed the idea, saying that privatisation would have a detrimental effect on the life-saving services firefighters provide.

The Fire Brigades' Union, London, said: "It looks like the government is planning to privatise our fire service. They're trying to sneak in new laws that 'would enable fire and rescue authorities in England to contract out their full range of services to a suitable provider'.

"Every day, firefighters put their lives in danger to keep us safe. Within minutes of an emergency, we can expect fire crews to be there to save lives and protect our property. Privatising this vital service might seem crazy. But that's exactly what the government is trying to quietly slip through a hush-hush parliamentary committee."

It added that people "need to move fast to show the government" people want a fire service that prioritises peoples' lives and profit.

The petition, available here, had 9,216 signatures as of 10.30 GMT on February 18th, with many leaving comments as well.

It comes after Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, revealed that he would be taking legal action against city's fire authority after it refused to consult on budget cuts.

Proposals include 12 fire station closures in the capital, more than 500 redundancies and £45 million in savings.



https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/page/s/stop-fire-service-privatisation#petition

[colin todd]

I am starting a petition for Retty and I to be allowed to buy London Fire Brigade.  Will you sign it Piggers?

[Tom W]

Only if we get lazy boys.

[Northern Uproar]

I trust suitable training will be available for safe use of said chairs. GMFRS may be able to help.....

[jokar]

CT as CFO may need more than 45 mins rest in the day though!!

[Midland Retty]

CT as CFO may need more than 45 mins rest in the day though!!

That's "Commissioner Todd Sir!" to you chummy. Besides I'll be in day-to-day command allowing Uncle Col the time to pace the fine Talisker distillery in delightful Carbost, sipping a fine single malt, peering out of the large victorian windows which frame the beautiful surroundings of the Isle of Skye, pondering the complexities of running a Public Emergency Service. How much rest does a man need!

Sign the petition Jokar or I'll send the boys round.  

[Mike Buckley]

No I am sorry, Midland you must become aware of the niceties of London.

No-one addresses you as 'sir' the best you can hope for is to have 'guv' grunted at you or if they are really impressed 'guv'ner'.

[colin todd]

Piggers, LFB is full of lazy boys, but we will get rid of them. No TUPE for them.

Retters, only this very evening I was planning a holiday in Scotland with she who must obey, and it will include a visit to the talisker distillery.  You know me too well.