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Brandon Lewis MP - Fire Minister - Department of Communities & Local Government

Brandon Lewis

I am very pleased to introduce the Fire Service Parliamentary Scheme.

Clearly those who represent and govern us in Parliament are amongst our most important stakeholders and it is important that our Ministers and MPs have the fullest possible experience and understanding of the capabilities and pressures facing their Fire and Rescue Service.

Fire and Rescue Authorities run highly regarded public services, working to prevent fires and protect lives, responding to emergencies and engaging with communities to deliver wider social value; they are of course, part of our critical national resilience infrastructure. But like all public services, Fire and Rescue Authorities face challenges and it is important that Parliamentarians have the opportunity and see their own Fire and Rescue Authorities in action and to engage with their services. The Fire Service Parliamentary Scheme provides a good opportunity to do that, following the success of similar schemes for the Military and Police.

I am grateful to all those groups and individuals who have been working to develop the scheme and encourage colleagues to take part in it with your local Fire and Rescue Authority.

This Scheme will enable members to see first hand the work of all levels of staff who deliver prevention, protection and emergency services, and the valuable work they do, whether as part of an emergency response, or engaging with communities.

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