Liberal Democrats secure Parliamentary debate on threat to retained firefighters

8 February 2009

The Liberal Democrats have secured a Parliamentary debate to address concerns over the potential impact of European Parliament working time
measures on retained firefighters in Scotland.

The EU Parliament's vote to remove Britain's opt-out from the Working Time Directive could threaten fire cover in many rural and remote parts of Scotland which rely on retained rather than full-time firefighters, unless the UK Government acts to ensure the necessary exceptions are in place. The adjournment debate will be held on Wednesday 11 February.

Alistair Carmichael MPAlistair Carmichael MPCommenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Scotland Secretary, Alistair Carmichael said:

"This debate is not about whether or not we should end the UK opt-out from the Working Time Directive.

"It is about doing the planning now to ensure that if that does happen, then the directive will be implemented in such a way as to ensure that retained firefighters can continue to provide vital cover across Scotland."

UPDATE - Transcript of the debate in Parliament - Wednesday 11 February 2009