Controversial comedian and political activist Russell Brand will be speaking at the Fire Brigades Union’s (FBU) anti-cuts event today.
The Ring of Fire is part of the FBU’s nationwide tour to highlight the ‘deep’ cuts they have experienced since 2010.
The service has experienced 20% budget cuts with 5000 frontline firefighters cut, 39 fire stations closed and 999 emergency response times increasing.
Russell Brand, said: “My mate from school Leigh grew up to be a firefighter.
“Our fire service, like all public servants they are being treated with contempt by our government and their incredibly difficult job is being made impossible.
“It’s time for us to come together and support them before the public services our grandparents built goes up in flames.”
FBU General Secretary, Matt Wrack, said: “Firefighters want to warn the public about the threat to the UK fire and rescue service from central government cut backs.
“Firefighters want to continue doing a great job but their profession is being undermined by deep cuts to the service.
“I urge the public to come to the event in London and talk to firefighters about the threat to their profession.”
London firefighters will also be joined by comedians Shappi Khorsandi, Mark Thomas, Tiernan Douieb and Christian Reilly.
There will also be music from country band Red Sky July, Aberdeen based singer Oliver Richards and folk artist Yvonne.
Image courtesy of BBC via YouTube, with thanks
