Reacting to news that Edward and Sophie Windsor (“the Earl and Countess of Wessex”) will visit Weymouth fire station today during a strike by firefighters over pensions, Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said:
“This official visit reflects the universal appreciation of the vital work that firefighters do, and it’s a real shame that the government is incapable of recognising the nature of the profession in their pension proposals.
“Firefighters are highly-skilled professionals who work in a diverse range of roles across fire and rescue services. They all play an important part in safeguarding public safety, and some demonstrate great bravery and self-sacrifice to protect local communities from danger.
“I hope that the visit draws attention to the work that firefighters do and their shocking treatment at the hands of the government.”
