Andrew Dismore

 

Andrew Dismore and Labour PPC for Hampstead & Kilburn Tulip Siddiq joined local residents and campaigners this morning (Thursday) to oppose Boris’ Johnson’s cuts to the London Fire Brigade. The protest took place at Belsize Fire Station at 8.30am. The cuts took effect from 9am, meaning that across London there are now 10 fewer fire stations, 14 fewer fire engines and 552 fewer firefighters than yesterday. 

The stations axed are Belsize, Bow, Clerkenwell, Downham, Kingsland, Knightsbridge, Silvertown, Southwark, Westminster and Woolwich in addition the second fire engine was cut from Chingford, Hayes, Leyton, Leystonstone, Peckham and Whitechapel.

The cuts follow a lengthy campaign to stop the Mayor’s plans which originally included over 18 fire stations and 32 fire engines. The cuts are being made to fund Boris Johnson’s penny a day cut to his share of the council tax for each household. Last year the Mayor was presented with fully costed proposals to maintain the current level of provision but this was ignored.

Andrew Dismore, Labour London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden, said:

“Today’s demonstration shows the strength of feeling amongst the local community against these cuts. Boris Johnson’s decision to close these stations and axe the fire engines and firefighters will lead to significantly increased response times to incidents across London. In Belsize it will now take four minutes longer for a fire engine to arrive on scene, every second counts. This morning also gave us the chance to say thank you to the firefighters who have put their lives on the line to keep our local area safe. They are heroes and deserve to be applauded for their dedication and professionalism.

“Boris has not listened to local residents and is forcing these cuts through. In response to his consultation 94% of Londoners said they do not support his plans. Today’s cuts are a grim new year’s present, he hasn’t even bothered to come down and say thank you to any of the firefighters this morning. He should be ashamed of himself.

99 years of Belsize Park history ended today.”