Submitted by SWFBU on
16 November 2015
LETTER FROM FBU GENERAL SECRETARY TO OUR COLLEAGUES IN LA BRIGADE DE SAPEURS-POMPIERS DE PARIS
Dear Brothers and Sisters
Re: SOLIDARITY WITH FRENCH FIREFIGHTERS
I write on behalf of the Fire Brigades Union to express our solidarity with you after the terrible attacks on Friday in Paris. We watched the media in horror as news of the terrorist attacks was reported – vicious and indiscriminate killing of ordinary people enjoying a night out. We utterly condemn these senseless killings. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected.
We also watched with great pride and admiration as French firefighters attended the scenes of these atrocities and took care of the dead and injured. We are aware of the differences in organisation of the fire service in Paris compared with the rest of the country, but we know that firefighters across the world will share our thoughts and best wishes for all those involved. FBU members have had similar experiences with the bombings of 7 July 2005, when 52 people were killed and scores were injured in London. The professionalism shown by firefighters in Paris this weekend is of great credit to the profession and will be recognised by firefighters around the world.
Firefighters across the UK stand shoulder to shoulder with you in opposition to terrorism and in defence of the democratic rights of ordinary citizens to go about their lives in safety. We stand ready to assist and to offer our solidarity whenever necessary.
Yours in solidarity.
MATT WRACK
General Secretary
