COLLABORATION OF EMERGENCY SERVICES

That this House is concerned at the speed of moves to reposition the fire and rescue service alongside the police service; respects the distinct and distinguished humanitarian role of the firefighter; recommends that any changes should ensure that the impartiality of firefighters is not compromised; believes that options to collaborate with the ambulance service seem more appropriate and should also be considered; and calls on the Government to ensure that the current rights, terms and conditions of firefighters are safeguarded in any future restructuring.