London’s fire commissioner, Ron Dobson, asserts that the brigade is “more equipped and prepared than ever to deal with a major incident in the capital” (London fire brigade better equipped for terrorism since 7/7, says chief, theguardian.com, 23 June). His workforce might not agree with that claim. Last year the capital lost 10 fire stations and 600 firefighters to a brutal cuts package, resulting in an increase in response times across half of London. Firefighters across the UK are under increasing pressure to provide an adequate service against the backdrop of large-scale station closures and job losses. That’s not to mention a government that wants to force all of them to serve on the frontline until 60 or suffer a pension cut if, for reasons of declining fitness brought about by the natural ageing process, they are unable to do so.
Paul Embery
Regional secretary, Fire Brigades Union, London
