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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : £53 million cash boost to improve housing support for drug and alcohol recovery [February 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : £53 million cash boost to improve housing support for drug and alcohol recovery [February 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 3 February 2023.

    28 local authorities across England will receive funds to help people in drug and alcohol treatment.

    • Funding will test the impact of providing additional housing support to improve recovery from addiction
    • Strengthens commitment to reducing drug use, and improving treatment outcomes, as part of the government’s 10-year drug strategy

    People in alcohol and drug recovery will soon have access to housing support, helping to break the cycle of addiction and improve health outcomes.

    Up to £53 million will be allocated to 28 local authorities across all regions of England with the greatest need.

    The funding will allow for local authorities to create new housing support schemes tailored to meet local need.

    People in treatment for drug and alcohol dependence are often easier to support if their housing needs are addressed at the same time, as there is a strong link between having a stable home and improved treatment outcomes.

    Examples of how the funding will be spent include specialist housing caseworkers supporting people in drug and alcohol treatment to access and maintain safe and suitable housing. Support will also look to help people create sustainable and long-term recovery by maintaining independent living.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:

    We’re supporting those recovering from drug and alcohol addiction by addressing the link between improved treatment outcomes and a stable home.

    This £53 million funding, targeted to local authorities with the greatest need, will support the government’s ambition to reduce overall drug use to a historic 30-year low.

    Health Minister Neil O’Brien said:

    Alcohol and drug dependence can have a devastating impact on the lives of people, their families and wider society. It is essential to break this cycle of addiction.

    The £53 million housing support funding will play a key role in testing how housing can help break this cycle, improve recovery and help people to live happier and healthier lives.

    In Manchester, specialist housing caseworkers will work out of three prevention hubs to be established across the city, providing a rapid response to housing issues that may affect people in substance misuse treatment securing or maintaining accommodation over the long term.

    In Lancashire, staff from across housing, drug and alcohol and health services will receive a programme of training to develop skills in substance misuse and housing related support and to will create a joined-up system across other organisations and public services, offering an improved experience for people experiencing homelessness.

    In Wigan, peer mentors with past experience of drug and alcohol treatment will provide support to people struggling to maintain independent living to sustain their accommodation and improve recovery outcomes.

    These projects will also expand our evidence base on treatment and recovery, with learnings helping to inform and develop future policy, in partnership with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

    Director of Addictions and Inclusion, Rosanna O’Connor said:

    The need for better housing and employment support for people dependent on drugs and alcohol is a core part of the current 10-Year national drugs strategy. We have known, for too long, that people in drug treatment with housing problems do less well in their recovery. What we know less about is how to address these problems. For the first time, dedicated funding is available to improve housing support.

    The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities are working closely with 28 local authorities up until 2025 to test and learn from specific approaches to housing support for this population, and Government will take the learning from these areas forward as part of its work to implement the Drugs Strategy.

    This supports recommendations from Dame Carol Black’s independent review, outlining housing support as a key strand needed to improve the effectiveness of drug prevention and treatment to help more people recover from dependence.

    It will support the government’s commitment to its 10-year drug strategy, which sets out the ambition to reduce overall use towards a historic 30-year low, getting people into treatment and deterring recreational drug use.

    This aspect of the wider strategy is part of a total package of £780 million to rebuild drug treatment and recovery services, including for young people and offenders, with new commissioning standards to drive transparency and consistency.

    Dame Carol Black statement:

    Addressing the housing-related needs of people in treatment with drug and alcohol dependence was a critical part of my Independent Review of Drugs.

    I am pleased that government is working with 28 local authorities across England to test the effectiveness of housing support interventions over the next 3 years.

    Learning from these areas will inform and drive forward the 10-Year Drugs Strategy, making the case for safe and supportive housing in recovery from addiction.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New strategy to boost NHS access to innovative medical technology [February 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New strategy to boost NHS access to innovative medical technology [February 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 3 February 2023.

    Patients across the UK are set to benefit from access to safe, effective and innovative equipment and medical devices as part of the first ever medical technology (medtech) strategy published today.

    The blueprint for boosting NHS medtech will focus on accelerating access to innovative technologies, such as the latest generation of home dialysis machines that enable patients to manage their own health at home and in their day to day lives.

    It also sets out steps which need to be taken to ensure patients can access safe, effective and innovative technology through the NHS, which can help diagnose, treat and deliver care more quickly, freeing up clinician time. The NHS spends £10 billion a year on medtech including syringes, wheelchairs, cardiac pacemakers and medical imaging equipment such as X-ray machines.

    Building on learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic and the rapid development of medical technologies during that time such as lateral flow tests and ventilators, this strategy will ensure the right product is available at the right price and in the right place. As a result, patients will continue to have access to high-quality care, alongside improved patient safety and health outcomes.

    The strategy aims to deliver value for money, using the latest data on the effectiveness of new technology to ensure prices are reasonable for the health system. It will also help build resilient supply chains and ensure the UK is prepared for future pandemics, just as demand for technology like syringes and ventilators rapidly increase during the pandemic.

    Using medtech effectively will be critical in reducing waiting lists for treatment caused by the pandemic as it has the potential to speed up diagnosis and deliver new and improved ways to treat and support patients. For example, COVID-19 demonstrated the importance of fast and accurate diagnostic testing and genome sequencing to process and share results, and home lateral flow testing showed the potential for increased use of diagnostics outside of formal clinical settings, to support earlier diagnosis and free up staff time.

    Minister of State for Health Will Quince said:

    The UK’s innovative spirit delivered revolutionary technology during the pandemic – from COVID tests and ventilators – and we want to harness this in promoting cutting-edge medical advancements to improve patient care.

    The NHS spends around £10 billion a year on medical technology and I’m looking forward to working with industry to use this as we focus on reducing hospital stays, enhancing diagnosis, preventing illness and freeing up staff time.

    This new medtech strategy will help build a sustainable NHS with patients at the centre so people can continue to access the right care at the right time.

    The key aims of the strategy are to:

    • boost the supply of the best equipment to deliver greater resilience to health care challenges, such as pandemics, and enhance NHS performance through modernised technology which will enable faster diagnosis, treatment and ultimately discharge to free up hospital beds
    • encourage ambitious, innovative research to secure the UK’s position as a global science superpower and attract vital investment for the UK economy and create jobs across the country. In 2021, there were already around 60 different research programmes supporting innovative technologies, representing over £1 billion of funding
    • increase understanding and awareness of medtech by clinicians which will lead to more informed purchasing on new products and deliver better value for taxpayer money and better services for patients
    • build on the Life Sciences Vision to improve collaboration between the NHS, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) as an innovation partner to ensure patients can access the right products safely

    The implementation plan to deliver on this strategy will be published later this year and will include a review of the £1 billion spent on appliances in primary care, new comparison tools to enable better decision making when purchasing which achieve the best results for patients, and collaboration with industry to ensure availability of key products to keep patients safe.

    Dr Timothy Ferris, National Director for Transformation at NHS England said:

    Medical technology has an enormous role to play in benefitting patients now and in the future.

    The importance of medtech was made clear during the COVID-19 pandemic and as the NHS moves through its recovery, it will play a key role in addressing the challenges we face.

    Dr Sam Roberts of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence said:

    It is essential that clinicians and patients can access the most impactful and cost-effective medical technologies, while medtech companies need to be confident that they are developing products which meet the needs of patients and the NHS.

    This strategy sets out a clear vision for the future. NICE is excited to be part of the delivery of this vision, working with our partners to further develop world leading processes to provide a sustainable pathway for medical technologies, from innovation to implementation.

    Peter Ellingworth of the Association of British HealthTech Industries said:

    ABHI welcomes the publication of the DHSC medtech strategy, and the recognition it brings to the importance of HealthTech in supporting the NHS to deliver exceptional care for people in the UK. HealthTech plays a valuable role in enabling improved outcomes through changing patient pathways as well as productivity and efficiency gains.

    It is important that this strategy supports the ambition of the Life Sciences Vision to create an outstanding business environment for HealthTech companies. We look forward to working closely with the Directorate in the implementation the strategy.

    This strategy follows action to cut NHS waiting times as one of the government’s top 5 priorities, backed by up to £14.1 billion of health and social care funding available for the next 2 years, on top of record funding and the publishing of a new urgent and emergency care recovery plan.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Veterans charity born out of DIY SOS going “from strength to strength” [February 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Veterans charity born out of DIY SOS going “from strength to strength” [February 2023]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 2 February 2023.

    Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer and DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles visited Hull 4 Heroes today to meet charity staff and volunteers supporting veterans

    Charity supports veterans across the City of Hull, North Riding and North Lincolnshire

    A charity born out of inspiration from a veterans project on DIY SOS has been praised for helping ex-service personnel in north-east England.

    Today, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Johnny Mercer and DIY SOS Presenter Nick Knowles visited Hull 4 Heroes.

    The charity, which has previously benefited from funding via the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, was founded in 2016 and provides crucial support services to veterans in Hull, North Riding and North Lincolnshire. Services provided by the charity include employment support, training, woodwork, cookery and mental health.

    On the visit Mr Mercer met with veterans to learn more about how the charity helps people in the area, including through making large and small scale renovations to existing properties which veterans live in.

    The Minister was given a tour of the warehouse facilities the charity runs, which stores personal possessions of ex-service personnel while they are moving or finding a new house. The charity also provided a Virtual Reality tour of their flagship project – a brand new housing development called the Veterans Village.

    The Veterans Village will see the construction of a housing and rehabilitation site for veterans as they transition into civilian life. The 22 acre site will contain a residential area, training and support facility and a visitor centre.

    Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Johnny Mercer said:

    It was a pleasure to visit the Hull 4 Heroes team with Nick Knowles today to learn more about the work they are doing to help ensure our veterans enjoy a smooth and successful transition to civilian life.

    The valuable skills they are teaching offer a stable platform for those looking to get back into work, enabling employers across the UK to fully appreciate just how valuable our veterans can be.

    Hull 4 Heroes was founded by Paul Matson, a veteran himself, who built a successful business following a difficult period after leaving the armed forces. His charity was created on the back of getting involved with the show DIY SOS Big Build on a veterans project in Manchester, called Veterans Street. As a consequence of seeing the success of this project, he decided to establish his own veterans support hub in Hull with the help of other members of the local armed forces community.

    The Office for Veterans’ Affairs recently announced Op Fortitude, a single referral scheme for homeless veterans to access supported housing and wrap-around specialist care. Along with more than £8.5 million in funding for charity support services in veterans housing units, the scheme will ensure veterans homelessness is ended in 2023.

    Following the success of a temporary pathway set up for the Christmas period last year, the referral scheme is being designed, taking forward lessons learned, and will launch in Spring this year.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The UK commends the work of UN Mission in Iraq and welcomes the progress of the newly formed Government – UK Statement at the Security Council [February 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : The UK commends the work of UN Mission in Iraq and welcomes the progress of the newly formed Government – UK Statement at the Security Council [February 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 February 2023.

    Statement delivered by Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the UN Security Council briefing on Iraq.

    Thank you, Madam President. Let me start by thanking Japan for a highly professional and effective presidency in the month of January, and let me assure you and your team of our full support for your presidency this month. Thank you to the Special Representative for her briefing and to Dr Ahmad for the messages he brought forward today.

    The UK commends the vital work of the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq. As the Special Representative said, we also commend the longstanding commitment of successive Iraqi governments to working closely with the UN Mission.

    We welcome the formation of the new Government of Iraq and Prime Minister Sudani’s focus on the delivery of services that the people of Iraq need. The UK will continue to support the Iraqi government on the range of challenges it faces. Key amongst these challenges are securing the country’s economic stability and the need for climate action, including energy transition and green economic reform. We hope to see the Government propose and pass a sustainable budget which stimulates investment in Iraq’s future. We encourage the government’s continued focus on tackling corruption, as the Special Representative said, and we echo the Special Representative and others on the importance of human rights and accountability.

    Another central challenge is Iraq’s security. We remain committed to supporting the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government in their efforts to ensure the safety of Iraqi civilians, not least in the ongoing fight against the scourge of Daesh, and to safeguard the security and sovereignty of Iraq.

    We welcome Prime Minister Sudani’s work to reinforce the security of Iraq’s borders. We commend Prime Minister Sudani’s engagements throughout the region and his government’s efforts to encourage regional stability through broader bilateral relations. We encourage further regional dialogue, including on crucial transnational issues such as water security and the adverse impacts of climate change. And we welcome UNAMI’s important role in support of these efforts. Continued close cooperation between the government of Iraq and regional partners is important to reinforce both Iraqi and regional security and stability.

    We welcome ongoing contact between Baghdad and Erbil to settle outstanding issues of concern. We encourage all sides to engage in dialogue to resolve differences where they exist, including on the hydrocarbon law and the budget. We also welcome and encourage dialogue between the Kurdish political parties, and we will continue to emphasise the urgent importance of passing a law facilitating elections in the Kurdistan region this year.

    Finally, we would also like to thank the Special Representative for her update on missing Kuwaiti and third country nationals, and missing Kuwaiti property. We welcome and encourage the commitment of all parties to making further progress on this important issue.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Dangerous thief, Jordan Peacock, given extended spell in prison [February 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Dangerous thief, Jordan Peacock, given extended spell in prison [February 2023]

    The press release issued by the Attorney General’s Office on 2 February 2023.

    Thief who ran over his victim as he tried to flee with stolen goods will spend longer in prison.

    A thief who ran over his victim as he tried to flee with stolen goods will spend longer in prison after his case was referred under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

    Jordan Peacock, 26, from Worksop, Nottinghamshire, was one of three men who stole toolboxes from an electrician working in Whitwell. When the electrician realised, he attempted to close the gates to prevent the getaway car leaving the premises.

    Peacock drove the vehicle directly at the victim, running him down and destroying the gates, before attempting to drive away while the victim was still under the vehicle.

    The electrician suffered grave injuries including fractured hip, collarbone, ribs and shoulder blade.

    The other men fled the scene on foot as the iron gates had become stuck in the wheels of Peacock’s car.

    Peacock pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and two counts of theft and was sentenced at Derby Crown Court to 4 years and 3 months’ imprisonment.

    Following the sentencing on 7 November 2022, the case was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

    Peacock’s original sentence was found to be unduly lenient by the Court on 2 February 2023 and was increased to 6 years and 3 months.

    Speaking after the hearing, the Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson KC MP said:

    This is a shocking and brazen case. Jordan Peacock’s behaviour cannot be tolerated in our society, and this increased sentence better reflects this dreadful crime which has left a lasting impact on his victim.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Leaders meet to strengthen UK resilience [February 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Leaders meet to strengthen UK resilience [February 2023]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 2 February 2023.

    Leaders from across the public, private and voluntary sectors, including the emergency services, have met today to continue to strengthen the UK’s resilience.

    • First UK Resilience Forum since publication of government’s strategy on resilience
    • Leaders from National Police Chiefs Council and National Fire Chiefs Council, as well as leaders in energy, transport and business, at the meeting

    Leaders from across the public, private and voluntary sectors, including the emergency services, have met today to continue to strengthen the UK’s resilience; scanning future threats and discussing the work underway as part of the government’s new Resilience Framework.

    Chaired for the first time by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and Lead Minister for Resilience, the Rt Hon. Oliver Dowden MP, it is the first meeting of the UK Resilience Forum since the publication of the government’s new strategy on resilience which officially makes resilience a national endeavour.

    Speaking at the meeting, the Minister said:

    I am delighted to Chair today’s Resilience Forum, bringing together leaders from across the public, private and voluntary sectors, including our dedicated emergency services, to strengthen our national resilience; scanning future threats and discussing the important work that’s already underway as part of our ambitious Resilience Framework.

    Attendees included the Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, Civil Contingencies lead at the National Police Chiefs Council, leaders across  the energy, transport, water and telecom sectors, and representatives from business and the voluntary and community sector.

    The Forum highlighted the importance of taking a ‘whole of society’ approach to resilience as outlined in the Framework – empowering individuals, businesses and other organisations to play their part in building resilience across the UK. They also welcomed the work underway to achieve the commitments set out in the Framework which include:

    • Delivering a new UK Resilience Academy, making world class professional training available to all that need it
    • Appointing a new Head of Resilience, to guide best practice and encourage adherence to standards; making the government more transparent and accountable
    • Clarifying roles and responsibilities in the UK government for each National Security Risk Assessment risk, to drive activity across the risk lifecycle
    • Significantly strengthening Local Resilience Forums in England
    • Developing a Measure for Social Vulnerability as an indicator of socio-economic resilience and how risks impact across communities and vulnerable groups

    Civil Contingencies lead from the National Police Chiefs Council, Assistant Chief Constable, Owen Weatherill, said:

    We support the government’s ambition to build greater resilience through a national approach, and we recognise the benefits of having resilient communities able to support themselves as much as possible during a crisis – this enables emergency services to focus their response on the most vulnerable people in society.

    Policing has a key role to play in resilience planning, both at local and national level and we will work closely with Resilience Forums to ensure the new Framework is successful and helps those most in need.

    CEO of the National Emergencies Trust, Mhairi Sharp, said:

    The UK Resilience Forum is bringing together the public, private and third sectors to compare perspectives and shape plans in the round to strengthen the UK’s resilience. For the National Emergencies Trust it’s a valuable opportunity to share lived experience and learnings from UK emergency survivors.

    Executive Director at the Environment Agency, Caroline Douglass, commented:

    I’m pleased to represent the Environment Agency at the UK Resilience Framework – it is vital we work alongside partners to strengthen our resilience to risks, including extreme weather caused by a changing climate. With at least one in six people in England at risk from flooding from rivers and the sea, it’s crucial that we create climate-resilient communities.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Omagh investigation announcement welcomed [February 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Omagh investigation announcement welcomed [February 2023]

    The press release issued by the DUP on 2 February 2023.

    DUP Legacy Spokesperson Emma Little Pengelly has welcomed the Secretary of State’s announcement of an independent statutory into the Omagh bombing.

    She said, “Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has previously met with the families of those murdered in the Omagh bomb to support their call and the recommendation of the courts that there should be an Article 2 compliant investigation.

    The terrorists who left the bomb, did so on a street full of shoppers on a Saturday afternoon. This was an attack that whilst perpetrated within Northern Ireland, was planned, prepared and transported across the border from within the Republic. This was recognised by Mr Justice Horner’s conclusion in the application for a judicial review.

    He outlined the “real advantage” of a simultaneous Article 2 compliant investigation proceeding in the Republic of Ireland. The terrorist activity crossed the border and any investigation requires action on both sides of that border to be fully effective. This is something that has always been recognised by the families.

    The opportunity for both truth and justice is something that should never be denied to anyone who has suffered at the hands of terrorists. The United Kingdom Government has taken this step today. The Irish Government should now make clear whether they will fulfil the wish of the families and advance the opportunity for truth and justice by announcing a simultaneous equivalent investigation.”

    West Tyrone MLA Tom Buchanan said, “This is a welcome announcement by the Secretary of State today. It represents a step forward for the Omagh families who are to be commended for their determination and courage. However, they have always been clear in their vision that this cross-border attack required investigations to take place on both sides of the border. The UK Government has announced that an Article 2 compliant investigation will now take place and the onus is on the Irish Government to provide a simultaneous investigation.

    The need to listen to the voices of victims, engage with them and not run away from their responsibility to help uncover the truth.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State announces independent statutory inquiry into Omagh bomb [February 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State announces independent statutory inquiry into Omagh bomb [February 2023]

    The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 2 February 2023.

    The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland the Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP has today announced that an independent statutory inquiry will be established into the preventability of the Omagh bombing in August 1998.

    • Independent statutory inquiry to be be established into the preventability of the Omagh bombing
    • The Real IRA claimed responsibility for the Omagh Bombing in 1998
    • Inquiry will be held in response to a recent High Court judgment

    The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland the Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP has today announced that an independent statutory inquiry will be established into the preventability of the Omagh bombing in August 1998.

    This is in response to a High Court judgment that found there were specific issues that gave rise to plausible arguments that the bombing by the Real IRA could have been prevented.

    The Real IRA claimed responsibility for the Omagh Bombing in 1998, and four members of the Real IRA were subsequently found liable for the bombing in civil proceedings held in Northern Ireland. This inquiry does nothing to counter these findings, which are clear in who was responsible for this awful atrocity.

    The independent statutory inquiry will examine the four issues identified by the High Court; the handling and sharing of intelligence, the use of cell phone analysis, whether there was advance knowledge or reasonable means of knowledge of the bomb, and whether disruption operations could or should have been mounted, which may have helped prevent the Real IRA’s attack.

    It will have the full powers provided by the Inquiries Act 2005, including the ability to compel the production of all relevant materials and witnesses and take evidence under oath.

    Limiting the inquiry to the specific findings of the High Court will ensure that the Government can comply with its international obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights. A final report will be published that will respond to each of the issues identified by the Court.

    Work has begun to establish the independent statutory inquiry as soon as possible. The appointment of an inquiry Chairperson will be announced and the inquiry’s terms of reference will also be published in due course.

    Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP said:

    “The Omagh bomb was a horrific terrorist atrocity committed by the Real IRA, which caused untold damage to the families of those who were tragically killed and injured. Its impact was felt not just in Northern Ireland, but across the world.

    “Having carefully considered the judgment of the High Court, I believe that an independent statutory inquiry is the most appropriate form of further investigation to address the grounds identified by the Court.

    “I would like to thank the victims and survivors and all those affected by the Omagh bomb for their patience whilst I have reflected on the judgment and taken into account a range of sensitive, complex and technical factors.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : FBU hails “historic moment” for trade union movement as coordinated day of action takes place [February 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : FBU hails “historic moment” for trade union movement as coordinated day of action takes place [February 2023]

    The press release issued by the Fire Brigades Union on 1 February 2023.

    Around half a million workers have today taken strike action for decent pay across rail, schools, central government and higher education.

    It was also a day of action organised by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) to defend the right to strike, following the passage of the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill on Monday at Third Reading.

    The Fire Brigades Union has this week achieved a decisive mandate for strike action on pay, with 88% of members voting Yes on a 73% turnout. In Northern Ireland, the result was even stronger, with 94% of members voting Yes.

    Responding to the day’s events, Fire Brigades Union General Secretary Matt Wrack said:

    “This is a historic moment for the labour movement. Trade unions are fighting not to disrupt public services, but to save them.

    “In the fire service, pay has fallen by at least 12% in real terms since 2010, and it’s a similar story elsewhere. Striking workers have the support of the public because it is only by standing together that we can win decent pay for everyone.

    “The new anti-union legislation is an attempt shut down the debate about pay and living standards. It’s an attack on our right to organise and on our democracy as a country. It’s an attempt to stop workers from standing up for themselves.

    “I’m proud that the FBU is supporting today’s day of action. We still hope to resolve our dispute without a strike, but if that’s not possible, we will call action ourselves. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with other unions in the struggle ahead.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Firefighters deliver decisive mandate for industrial action [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Firefighters deliver decisive mandate for industrial action [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Fire Brigades Union on 30 January 2023.

    Firefighters across the UK have delivered a decisive mandate for strike action, with 88% voting Yes on a 73% turnout. The strike ballot opened on 5th  December and closed on 30th January. 

    Two separate simultaneous ballots, in Northern Ireland and among control room staff in the North West of England, also delivered strong results. In Northern Ireland, the result was even stronger, with 94% of members voting in favour of action.

    In the hope of averting strike action, the Fire Brigades Union has given the government and employers ten days (until Thursday 9th February) to come forward with an improved offer which could be put to a vote of members.

    If they go ahead, the strikes would be the first nation-wide fire strike over pay since 2003. FBU members rejected a below-inflation 5% pay offer in November last year.

    The vote on industrial action follows more than a decade of real terms pay cuts. It comes as fresh research shows that firefighters are significantly more likely to develop cancer than the general population.

    Polling shows that public support for strike action by firefighters is strong – by around 2 to 1. 58% of the public back action, while only 33% oppose it.

    Matt Wrack, General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said:

    Firefighters across the UK have spoken. The Fire Brigades Union has a decisive mandate for strike action.

    This is an overwhelming vote for strike action against an offer which would mean further significant cuts to real terms wages for firefighters and control room staff. They have already lost at least 12% of the value of their pay since 2010.

    This is an absolute last resort for our members. The responsibility for any disruption to services lies squarely with fire service employers and government ministers.

    Rishi Sunak’s government has refused to make funding available for a decent pay offer to firefighters and control staff.

    Firefighters were among Britain’s Covid heroes who kept frontline services going during the pandemic. The Prime Minister has badly misjudged the public mood by imposing pay cuts on key workers.

    Our members risk their health and safety, and sometimes their lives, round the clock to keep people safe and serve their communities. However, with inflation and energy bills rocketing, they are now increasingly struggling to pay the bills or to afford the basics.

    The government and the employers have the power to stop strikes from happening by making a credible offer that can resolve this dispute. The ball is in their court.

    We have delayed calling strikes to allow the employers to meet us and to make a new offer. I hope they take that opportunity. Otherwise, in the coming weeks, we intend to announce a series of strike dates and industrial action.”