Responding to the decision by HMICFRS to move the London Fire Brigade into the Engage phase, Anne Clarke AM, Chair of the London Assembly Fire, Resilience and Emergency Planning Committee, said:
“The shocking racism, sexism and discrimination uncovered by Nazir Afzal OBE in his independent culture review made clear there needs to be a major cultural shift in the London Fire Brigade.
“The London Fire Commissioner has moved swiftly to respond to the recommendations in the review and is committed to delivering change to ensure it becomes a fire and rescue service that Londoners deserve.
“While we are deeply disappointed at the situation currently facing the Brigade, we welcome the decision by the Inspectorate as an important step in helping the London Fire Commissioner to tackle this crisis.
“We will continue to monitor and challenge the London Fire Commissioner and the Deputy Mayor for Fire and Resilience on the delivery of the Brigade’s transformation programme and the recommendations from the culture review.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
- Anne Clarke AM, Chair of the Fire, Resilience and Emergency Planning Committee, is available for interview.
- Find out more about the work of the Fire, Resilience and Emergency Planning Committee.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For more details, please contact Emma Bowden in the Assembly Media Office on 07849 303897. For out of hours media enquiries please call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the Assembly duty press officer.