Milton Keynes Conservatives have condemned plans by the Labour–Lib Dem–Independent coalition running Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Fire Authority to slash fire cover in our city – including cuts to appliances at both West Ashland and Broughton fire stations.
The Fire Authority, chaired by the Liberal Democrats and backed by Labour councillors from Milton Keynes, have pushed forward proposals to cut nearly a third of all fire engines crewed by on-call firefighters across the service. Options now being considered would remove on-call cover from both Ashland and Broughton, putting residents across MK at serious risk.
The Authority will be asked on 12th November to approve a full public consultation on these damaging cuts.
This announcement comes at the same time as the Labour Government’s announcements of a 40,000-home new town in Milton Keynes, which Conservatives say surely highlights the need for planning for more resources rather than cutting current provision.
Cllr Shazna Muzammil-Cook, Leader of the Conservative Group on Milton Keynes City Council, said:
“The first duty of government – national or local – is to keep people safe. Yet Labour and the Lib Dems, are preparing to cut fire engines and weaken cover at both Ashland and Broughton fire stations. These proposals are reckless, dangerous, and completely unnecessary especially at a time of rash expansion also being proposed by Labour. How does this make sense? “
Cllr Keith McLean, who represents the Conservatives on the Bucks Fire Authority, said, “When Conservatives ran the Fire Authority, we strengthened fire cover, recruited more firefighters, and restored the finances of the service. Within just months of this Lib Dem–Labour-Independent coalition taking control, they are dismantling it. That tells residents everything they need to know about their priorities – politics before public safety.”
Conservatives in Milton Keynes will oppose these cuts and are calling on residents to make their voices heard by signing our petition against this attack on our frontline services. Our petition is available: Petition: Save Fire Services In MK | Milton Keynes Conservatives.
