Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the Defending Democracy Taskforce has had discussions with the the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service race and faith network on contacting firefighters about their political affiliations.

The Defending Democracy Taskforce has not had discussions with the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service race and faith network about the political affiliations of firefighters.

It would not be appropriate for the Government to comment on or investigate specific allegations relating to individual fire and rescue services, which should be considered through the relevant local processes. Fire and rescue authorities, as the employer, are responsible for the management and conduct of their staff.

The Government is clear that fire and rescue service employees should maintain high standards of professionalism, impartiality and political neutrality when on duty, whilst being able to participate in lawful political activity outside of work, subject to the terms of their employment and any relevant codes of conduct.