2 May 2006
As Hertfordshire’s firefighters vote by 8 to 1 in favour of a fire strike, the Government must act to provide military cover to protect the people of Hemel Hempstead and other Herts towns.

Reacting to the announcement of the result of the firefighters ballot, Mike Penning called for John Prescott to reverse his decision not to request the military to provide fire cover for the people of Hemel Hempstead.

“In light of the ballot I am naturally worried about the safety of my constituents,” he said. “This is another example of poor judgement by Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott. He attempted to sway the ballot by threatening to withhold military assistance. The ploy has failed and now he must provide military cover to protect the people of Hertfordshire. It is the Government’s duty to protect its citizens.”