Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Angela Eagle and Brian Leishman

Monday 13th January 2025 Commons Chamber

[Brian Leishman (Alloa and Grangemouth) (Lab)]

3. What discussions her Department has had with the Fire Brigades Union on improving protections for firefighters against occupational diseases.

[The Minister for Border Security and Asylum (Dame Angela Eagle)]

We engage regularly with the Fire Brigades Union and we take very seriously the health and safety of firefighters, who risk their lives for our communities every day. The Home Office is reviewing recent academic research to evaluate risks posed by contaminants and the effectiveness of decontamination procedures. We will share our findings with the fire and rescue authorities, which hold the legal responsibility to protect firefighters against those risks.

[Brian Leishman]

I thank the Minister for her answer. Exposure to toxic substances is an avoidable risk and every firefighter should have access to the resources they need to protect themselves. The dangerous nature of being a firefighter has also been amplified as the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has had more than 1,400 frontline firefighter jobs cut since 2010, a reduction of nearly 20%. Does the Home Secretary agree that the fire service needs proper investment and a national body with legal standing to set standards on fire cover, training, equalities, and health and safety?

[Dame Angela Eagle]

My right hon. Friend the Minister for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention is looking at all fire and rescue issues and considering all possibilities, including potential reorganisations, as we move the services forward.