[Shasown]

Originally Posted by angus58

The Green Goddess, last used in the strike of 2002/3, but I think they have all been sold off now, and as far as I know only 27 fire engines are going to be available to the army for the whole of London!

Those 27 fire engines arent for the use by the Armed Forces. They have already been removed from service prior to strike as a contingency plan by the London Fire Brigade, they will be manned in the event of a strike by personnel provided by AssetCo.

Its about one fifth of the number of engines normally available. It is to stop any possible extension of the strike by the fire unions claiming breach of picket lines etc. And to be able to provide emergency response with minimal conflict between picketing strikers and contracted firefighters.

If the Mayor, City Council and London Fire Service are not happy with the contingency cover, they can request additional assistance from the Armed Forces. Initially from the RAF stations in and around London, but if the strike was to be extended then it would be nationwide support from the services.