Firefighters in Oxfordshire have successfully forced the withdrawal of plans to cut the county’s fire and rescue service, following months of campaigning by the Fire Brigades Union.
The proposals would have seen three fire stations close, six fire engines removed, and at least 42 firefighter jobs cut. The FBU warned that the plans would put public safety at risk.
After a sustained campaign involving rallies, public meetings and a consultative ballot for industrial action, the proposals have now been dropped.
Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright said:
“This climbdown on station closures and cuts is a testimony to the power of collective action through the Fire Brigades Union.
"A massive vote in favour of strike action by our members made plain the strength of feeling among firefighters about cuts to the service that threaten the lives of firefighters and the public.
“These proposals would have slashed fire cover across the county, putting lives at risk. Thanks to the determination and unity of our members, those cuts have now been stopped.
“Firefighters’ duty is to protect the public – and that is exactly what our members have done in Oxfordshire.”
The campaign saw widespread support from local communities and politicians, with firefighters warning that the loss of stations, fire engines and jobs would leave the county dangerously exposed.
The union said the result should serve as a warning to fire and rescue services considering similar reductions.
FBU Southern Executive Council Member Chris Wycherley said:
“This is a victory built on the strength and determination of firefighters across Oxfordshire. From the very beginning, members were clear that these cuts would put their communities at risk – and they were prepared to stand together to stop them.
“The level of support from the public has been incredible, and it shows just how valued the fire service is. This result proves that when firefighters and communities unite, we can defeat cuts that would put lives in danger.”
