Firefighters campaign against Reform UK ahead of vote in Runcorn and Helsby

The Fire Brigades Union has reported that firefighters are campaigning in Runcorn and Helsby against the policies of Reform UK, which they say pose a direct threat to workers’ rights.

The union said the campaign comes ahead of the 1 May by-election and involves local firefighters distributing leaflets that criticise Reform UK’s record on public service funding, support for private healthcare, and voting history on employment rights.

The Fire Brigades Union stated that Nigel Farage, who has visited the constituency three times in recent weeks, is promoting policies that would negatively impact NHS services, schools and fire and rescue provision.

Union criticises Reform UK’s voting record and policy positions

The Fire Brigades Union reported that Reform UK has consistently voted against proposals to improve workers’ rights in Parliament.

According to the union, the party also supports reductions in public spending and advocates for increased private sector involvement in healthcare and other public services.

It said this policy direction would reduce the quality and accessibility of public services, affecting not only firefighters but also the communities they serve.

Fire Brigades Union general secretary issues public warning

Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright said:
“Trade unions have a responsibility to take a leading role in countering the rise of the far right. Farage and Reform present a direct threat to workers’ rights in our country.”

“Reform is a part of the establishment. We cannot allow their divisive anti-migrant politics to pit workers against each other.”

“Their policies and track record speak for themselves: threatening to slash and privatise public services, voting against improvements to working conditions in parliament.”

“Firefighters and other public sector workers are warning of the dangers that this far-right party presents to all voters.”

Local firefighter speaks out against party’s impact on the community

The Fire Brigades Union shared the views of Jack Fellows, a firefighter based in Runcorn, who is taking part in the campaign.

Jack Fellows said:
“It’s our duty as firefighters to fight for what is right and stand up for public services. We cannot stand by while Nigel Farage and his party attempt to divide our community.”

“Firefighters do not trust Reform. Farage pretends to be anti-establishment and a man of the people, but he was born rich and worked as a stockbroker. He doesn’t represent us. We see through the spin – his party is interested in protecting profits and the interests of the rich above everything else.”

“Reform has no place in Runcorn and Helsby.”

Firefighters say Reform UK poses ‘a direct threat to workers’ rights’ in UK by-election: Summary

The Fire Brigades Union has reported that firefighters are campaigning against Reform UK in the Runcorn and Helsby by-election.

The union said the campaign includes leaflet distribution warning voters about the party’s stance on public service funding and workers’ rights.

Reform UK received 18 percent of the vote in the 2024 general election in this constituency.

Nigel Farage has visited Runcorn and Helsby three times in recent weeks.

The union stated that Reform UK supports policies which reduce NHS, school and fire service funding.

It added that the party backs private healthcare and has voted against workers’ rights in Parliament.

Steve Wright, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said Reform UK threatens workers’ rights and public services.

Jack Fellows, a firefighter in Runcorn, criticised the party’s attempt to present itself as anti-establishment.

The union said the campaign is focused on informing voters ahead of polls opening on 1 May.

This news applies to the United Kingdom.