London Fire Brigade needs £10M for national security

This year, the Jewish community in London became the target of a wave of antisemitic attacks directed at synagogues and community charities. One of the most prominent incidents was the Hatzola ambulance arson. The attacks prompted a major counter-terrorism investigation, which led to dozens of arrests and increased security across northwest London.

The London Assembly Fire Committee visited Finchley Rd Fire Station and held a meeting at City Hall to hear from those affected and the London Fire Brigade (LFB).

The evidence the Committee received demonstrates that the LFB has an effective model for responding to terror incidents and engaging with the communities affected by them. But as the level of risk increases, LFB must continue to invest to be prepared for the scale and complexity of new threats.

Today, the Fire Committee has written to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, supporting the London Fire Commissioner’s request for the Government to provide the London Fire Brigade with £10 million funding in 2027-28 in respect of its national security remit.

Chair of the London Assembly Fire Committee, Anne Clarke AM, said:

“Without dedicated funding, there is a risk that the LFB will be unable to continue to deliver the effective response that London’s communities, and all those who live, work or visit the capital, deserve.

“So, it seems a no-brainer to us that direct Government funding for LFB ‘s national security activity would recognise the additional responsibilities that LFB undertakes on behalf of the UK, as well as the unique security risks facing London as the nation’s capital.”