The leader of the Fire Brigades Union has cautioned that the decision to abandon Keir Starmer’s proposal of investing £28bn annually in green initiatives could endanger the public. He also stated that their members are already facing the consequences of the climate emergency.
The general secretary of the FBU, Matt Wrack, advised the Labour leader to not reduce or postpone the party’s green program. He emphasized its importance in addressing a significant rise in floods, wildfires, and storms.
Wrack urged Starmer to incorporate strategies for reducing carbon emissions, such as flood protection, into the plan. This call comes at a crucial time for the plan’s future, as officials will convene in the upcoming week to discuss its feasibility.
Wrack stated that if Labour does not utilize this funding, it will not only endanger their members but also put communities in danger, particularly in regions susceptible to wildfires or significant flooding. This will also place a heavier burden on the fire department and pose a higher risk for firefighters.
In recent years, firefighters have faced an increasing number of floods and wildfires, which experts attribute to the effects of climate change.
The National Fire Chiefs Council reported 65 instances of wildfires in Britain in 2018. However, three years later, the number had more than doubled to 178. According to government data, flooding incidents in England have risen by almost 25% in the past ten years.
Wrack stated that his team was facing challenges in dealing with the rise of severe weather occurrences, which has put individuals in danger. Storm Henk caused significant flooding in the UK, affecting approximately 2,000 homes due to a month’s worth of rain falling in only four days.
The speaker expressed concern about the potential danger and vulnerability of individuals in situations such as being without electricity in their homes or being trapped on the second floor of a flooded house.
The government is set to allocate approximately £220 million towards flood protection measures this year. However, Wrack believes that Labour should utilize their green prosperity plan to raise this amount.
He stated that part of the plan should focus on emergency planning and preparation. He believes that the fire service can have a key role in this.
Starmer has reiterated his dedication to investing £28 billion in environmental initiatives by the latter half of the parliament. However, this amount will be restricted by Labour’s fiscal guidelines and their borrowing capabilities. The party has pledged to only borrow within their means, with the goal of reducing debt as a percentage of economic output within five years.
During a meeting with union leaders last week, the Labour leader took the opportunity to reaffirm his dedication to the program.
According to sources within the Labour party, Starmer and his top supporters are open to abandoning the policy before the election if they determine it could be a disadvantage during the campaign. Meanwhile, the Conservatives are planning to highlight the Labour pledge prominently in their campaign material, arguing that it can only be financed through increased borrowing or tax increases.
Source: theguardian.com
