Nigel Evans, MP for the Ribble Valley, has supported a parliamentary Early Day Motion (EDM) calling on Parliamentarians to stand with fire crews at their nearest fire station to observe the minute’s silence at Midday on Friday 4th May. MP’s have also been urged to join members of the Fire Brigades Union at the Firefighters' Memorial at St Paul's Cathedral.
This year marks the 100 year anniversary of the Fire Brigades Union, which was founded by members of the National Union of Corporation Workers (NUCW), which also represented other public sector workers. The 1,000 strong contingent of firefighters became displeased with their lack of specific representation, and lobbied the Ministry of Labour to create to a representative board for London firefighters.
An ardent supporter of firefighter’s Memorial Day, Nigel Evans said:
“Since the formation of the fire brigade 2,524 serving firefighters have lost their lives in the line of duty. It is this bravery, courage and selflessness that makes our fire service such an asset to the UK and provides perfect justification as to why MP’s and others should support firefighter’s Memorial Day.”
Speaking of his own experience with the fire service, Nigel Evans said:
“I am personally indebted to the fire brigade. When I was a teenager living in my parent’s grocery shop in Swansea, the fire service saved me and my entire family when a fire broke out.
“In the past year we have seen the heroism and commitment of the fire service during the spate of terror attacks last Spring, and the tragedy of Grenfell tower. It is only fitting that sympathies are extended to all the bereaved families of fallen firefighters and people applaud the selfless dedication of all UK firefighters who stand ready today and every day to risk their life to save others and protect the British public.”
The EDM was launched by Labour’s Jim Fitzpatrick MP, who was a firefighter in London for 20 years and a representative of the Fire Brigades Union. It has already gained 51 signatures from a cross-party base of MPs.