West Hertfordshire MPs, Mike Penning and David Gauke, have criticised the Government for failing to provide military cover to Hertfordshire in the event that local fire fighters go on strike.

Hertfordshire fire fighters are threatening to strike in response to County Council proposals to reduce the number of fire fighters and stations in Hertfordshire. As a consequence, Chief Fire Officer, Roy Wilsher, has asked the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) to provide military cover. However, it has emerged today that the ODPM is refusing to provide military cover.

Hemel MP, Mike Penning, raised the matter on the floor of the House of Commons. “I hope that all sides in this dispute get together so that the strike can be averted. However, the Government is trying to pressurise all parties by refusing to provide military cover to our county. The lives of my constituents should not be put at risk by the Government playing political games.”

South West Herts MP, David Gauke, was also critical of the Government. “The Chief Fire Officer, as the person on the ground, considers that he needs military cover and the Government should back him up. If the strike goes ahead – and I hope that it will not – the Government’s decision means that we will not have the necessary cover. That is unacceptable.”

The MPs are hoping to have a meeting with the relevant Minister later in the week.