Firefighters’ Pension Scheme (England)

Debate between Bob Ainsworth and Hilary Benn

Monday 15th December 2014 Commons Chamber

[Hilary Benn]

I am grateful to the hon. Lady. Indeed, there has been no industrial action in Northern Ireland, and that is why I did not refer to the agreement that is in place.

[Mr Bob Ainsworth (Coventry North East) (Lab)]

Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is rather difficult for people like him, me and the Secretary of State, who do not need to maintain a level of fitness in order to earn our income, to understand the very real fear among firefighters? This issue has not been put up by the Fire Brigades Union; firefighters really do fear that they are not going to be able to cope with the inevitable deterioration that age brings to strength.

[Hilary Benn]

My right hon. Friend is absolutely right about the concerns that very many firefighters have talked to many Members of the House about. That is, in part, the nub of this issue.