Save the Fire Service

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From: Hannah Lownsbrough - 38 Degrees [mailto:a_ction@38degrees.org.uk]

Sent: 15 February 2013 11:34

To: Linda Roy

Subject: Save the Fire Brigade

Dear Linda, Not the Fire Brigade as well, surely! Leaked government papers have revealed that ministers want to clear the way for privatising the Fire Brigade. [1] As yet, the idea is at an early stage – that means there's still time for us to stop it if enough of us speak out. Help sound the alarm and prevent the Fire Brigade being privatised – sign the petition now: https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/fire-service-sell-off We never know when we might need the Fire Brigade. Whether it's house fires, car crashes or crucial inspections to keep buildings safe, firefighters save lives. But we know that too often privatisation leads to cost-cutting and slipped standards. [2] Privatising the Fire Brigade has one key thing in common with the 2011 plan to privatise England's woodlands: it can only go ahead with a change in the law. The leaked letter, seen by the Daily Mirror, reveals that the government wants to change the law, and is planning the best way to do so right now. When the government tried to change the law to sell off the woodlands, people power stopped them. [3] If we move fast, we can do the same thing to stop privatisation of the Fire Brigade. So let's come together and ask for firefighters focused on saving lives, not on cutting costs to boost profits. Please sign the petition here: https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/fire-service-sell-off Thanks for being involved, Hannah, Becky, James and the 38 Degrees team PS: The leaked letter from the minister says “I appreciate that the proposals are not without some level of controversy; however these changes will help to remove barriers and to increase the choices but fire and rescue authorities have to contract out their services". Let's demonstrate just how controversial these proposals will be! Please sign the petition now:https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/fire-service-sell-off NOTES [1] Daily Mirror - Fire sale: Secret government bid to privatise fire and rescue services revealed:http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/privatised-fire-and-rescue-services-secret-1593277 [2] The Guardian - When privatisation of GP practices goes wrong:http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/dec/19/when-privitisation-gp-practices-wrong The Guardian - Harmoni out-of-hours GP service putting patients at risk, say doctors:http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/dec/17/harmoni-gp-service-patients-risk [3] Great news: Government agree to protect our forests:http://blog.38degrees.org.uk/2013/02/01/great-news-government-agree-to-protect-our-forests/

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