HUNDREDS of firefighters descended upon Holyrood today, warning MSPs that they will explore “all options” to reverse service cuts.
Firefighters and their trade union have been resisting the imposition of over £11 million of cuts to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) this year alone, part of a total of £36m to be made over four years.
SFRS chief officer Ross Haggart said that “modernisation” was necessary “to meet the changing risk and demand we face across Scotland, while also addressing our ongoing financial challenges,” but firefighters have warned that lives are being put at risk.
Since 2010, one in five firefighter jobs has disappeared alongside 30% funding cuts — all while climate breakdown brings record blazes and flooding. It’s time to fund our fire service properly, writes FBU general secretary STEVE WRIGHT


