Scottish Government have finally woken up to fire service threat - McArthur (Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats)

Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats <info@aberdeensouthlibdems.org.uk>

Scottish Government have finally woken up to fire service threat - McArthur

March 24, 2009 9:37 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Commenting on the Scottish Government's warning that fire and rescue services could be put at risk if the opt out of the 48 hour week as part of the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) is not kept, Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP said:

"The Scottish Government has finally woken up to the real and present danger that faces retained firefighters in many of Scotland's rural areas. Liberal Democrats have been campaigning for sufficient flexibility to be allowed in the EWTD so that retained firefighters can continue to provide lifesaving fire and rescue services.

"I wonder if Mr Ewing's Highlands and Islands colleague Rob Gibson will see this announcement as "scaremongering".

"Despite calling our campaign unhelpful in the past, I am pleased that the SNP are now looking to the future and have decided to join the Liberal Democrats in safeguarding vital local services."