Firefighters today welcomed Labour shadow fire minister Chris Williamson to Downham Fire Station, which is scheduled for closure.
Williamson was invited to visit the site to see first-hand the work that will be lost if the Mayor of London’s cuts are implemented.
Williamson said: “Boris Johnson’s reckless cuts to London’s fire and rescue service could endanger the lives of Londoners.
“Closing stations like Downham Fire Station and removing appliances from others will leave neighbourhoods exposed and increase response times.
“But the most disgraceful aspect of his proposals is that the Mayor is cynically targeting his deepest cuts on London’s most vulnerable communities.
“I would therefore urge Boris Johnson, even at this late stage, to think again.”
Paul Embery, FBU London Secretary, said: “Chris Williamson’s visit represents the growing consensus of condemnation of Boris Johnson’s cuts which will put countless Londoners’ lives at risk.
“Local councils, London’s fire authority, politicians in Westminster, the general public and firefighters themselves are all united in their opposition to the Mayor’s attacks.
“It’s not too late to put the lives of Londoners ahead of politically-motivated savings. We must stop these cuts to protect public safety.”
Ten fire stations are scheduled for closure: Belsize, Bow, Clerkenwell, Downham, Kingsland, Knightsbridge, Silvertown, Southwark, Westminster and Woolwich.
