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The ‘Firefighters Against Cuts’ party’s intention is to field candidates at local and national elections in an attempt to re-establish a balance in the political representation now absent from the mainstream parties. Firefighters have lobbied politicians at all levels, and from all parties, with very little success - many have simply not replied to correspondence. Although most people oppose fire service cuts, this view is rarely argued in parliament or, more alarmingly, in local government.
The whole of the political establishment is united in its desire to reduce the effectiveness of the fire service - something we as Firefighters know will cost lives. Given that there is no effective opposition to this view; UK Firefighters feel their only option is to become directly involved in politics, and to form their own political party.
The government’s decision to repeal Section 19 of the 1947 Fire Services Act will make cuts to the fire service more likely. Our objective is not only to resist the ongoing cuts, but to increase the number of Firefighters and Emergency Fire Control Operators, to enable us to meet the ever increasing demands placed upon the service. We also intend to fully support other public sector services against similar attack.
Like society, Firefighters reflect all shades of political opinion and political activity. We are however united in our belief that cutting the fire service will cost lives. The public expect us to save lives, and they can be reassured that all we are asking of them, is that they support us in the ballot box, so that we can continue to do so.
We believe real democracy is more important than entrenched political standpoints. We wish to see a more honest, open and informed public debate. This will enable the public to judge the issues for themselves. We will therefore challenge and correct any disinformation that is intended to mislead the public, and furthermore, we will demand disclosure of information that has been hidden from the public.
By maintaining a moral, but politically neutral position, we aim to draw support from all sections of the community. We anticipate that we will gain support from ordinary people from all political, religious, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and from all income groups. There is no private sector option providing an alternative emergency service. In an emergency, we all depend on the same fire service.
We are a new and small party with limited resources. We do not anticipate being able to mount large and expensive campaigns. Our intention is to offer to those who share our view, and who wish to stand for public office, the option to stand as a candidate for the ‘Firefighters Against Cuts’ party, We anticipate that in most cases candidates will deal directly with the party’s H.Q’s. However if there is sufficient support within an area, consideration will given to forming a branch. Any functions delegated to the branch w
ill be determined by the party’s officers at that time |
