Fire and Search and Rescue Services
Monday, 2 November 2026
Contributions
Torcuil Crichton (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (Lab)Labour
1. What discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the co-ordination of fire and search and rescue services.
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Angela Rayner)Labour
Earlier this month, at the UK’s first wildfires summit, the Prime Minister and I announced that military aircraft will tackle wildfires that ground crews cannot reach. The RAF Chinook helicopters and other aircraft will be available to fight fires and help crews across the UK. My hon. Friend will be aware that fire and rescue services are devolved in Scotland, but Ministers and officials will work across Government, including with the Cabinet Office, and engage with the Scottish Government to strengthen our collective approach.
I draw the attention of the House to my role as the chair of the all-party parliamentary group for volunteer rescue services. These people are out there on call—on land, sea and mountains—to help the public. The Secretary of State’s statement is very welcome. As recent events, like the wildfires, have shown, these volunteers are a key part of our emergency response and resilience. Does she agree that there should be a dedicated point of contact for volunteer rescue organisations in Government, and that Ministers ought to consider bringing forward a volunteers charter, using the template of the veterans charter, to recognise and acknowledge the contribution of volunteers, their families and their employers in our fourth emergency service?
Across the UK, volunteer search and rescue teams are an indispensable part of Britain’s emergency response system. I thank my hon. Friend for his campaigning on this issue. His APPG for volunteer rescue services turns frontline experience into practical policy change—most recently, with the exemption of search and rescue vehicles from vehicle excise duty. I will raise the group’s latest suggestions with ministerial colleagues.
Rishi Sunak (Richmond and Northallerton) (Con)Conservative
Following the complex rescue of a lady at Aysgarth Falls earlier this year, I want to pay tribute to Swaledale mountain rescue and the North Yorkshire fire and rescue service. In particular, Swaledale mountain rescue relies on dedicated volunteers to respond to emergencies right across the Yorkshire dales. Will the Secretary of State join me in praising its contribution to our rural community and continuing to support close co-ordination between its volunteer efforts and local statutory emergency services?
I am very happy to join the right hon. Member in paying tribute to Swaledale mountain rescue and its dedicated volunteers. The rescue that he references demonstrates the vital work that they do, alongside the fire and rescue service, and I thank them for everything that they do to keep us safe.
Source: UK Parliament Hansard API. Debate ID: 5429428.