Martin Ralph, International Socialist League, interviewed Aimi Molloy, Women’s Representative, Fire Brigades Union, Liverpool
SV: What are the main cut issues facing the fire services at the moment?
Cuts have already been made over the last few years and we all know further cuts can only lead to a worse service.
The main issues the fire service faces in the UK because of cuts are slower response times to incidents such as fires, road traffic collisions, floods and persons trapped. Another major impact of the cuts will be the reduction in the amount of preventative work we are able to carry out.
Fewer fire fighters and fewer appliances could put a significant train on our health and safety at incidents while waiting for other appliances to respond. With a crew of four in attendance at a house fire you are limited to what you can do.
SV: How can the FBU fight these cuts?
We have fought and will continue fighting the cuts, locally and nationally. In Merseyside, we are now in the position of facing 10 million pounds worth of cuts over the next two years, which will see the loss of 90 firefighter posts and 50 support staff posts. Once we know the outcome of the Fire Authority budget meeting on 26 February, the FBU will then have a consultation period and then we will respond to their proposals. Nationally, anger is growing and we know we are not alone in this fight as all our brothers and sisters around the country are being affected by the cuts.
SV: What plans do the government have for privat ising the fire service?
I’d heard in December last year that they had plans to sell off the Fire Service College to the private company Capita.
The first I knew of the government’s plans to privatise the 46 fire services was the article in the Mirror on 8 February. I was horrified at the thought of the fire service being run for profit – it should always be there to protect the people of our community in emergencies and never ever be about making money for others.
SV: Do you think the link with the fire service, as a public service, with the communities is important?
I think the fire service should always remain a public service. The cost to the public is around £50 per person a year, as stated in our FBU campaign. A petition was set up on the online petition 38 degrees against privatising the fire service the day after the Mirror article was released. It gained over 10,000 signatures within a day and I think that shows the level of support for it to stay a public service.
Source: Journal Socialist Voice nº 10 Special March
