PRESS RELEASE : Mayor Statement on London Fire Brigade Culture Review [November 2022]
The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 25 November 2022.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “The findings of Nazir Afzal OBE’s review must be nothing short of a watershed moment for the London Fire Brigade. The details published today of institutional misogyny, racism and discrimination are abhorrent. Londoners, including firefighters and other staff, have been let down by those who should have supported them have every right to be angry, as I am.
“I fully supported the Fire Commissioner, Andy Roe, in commissioning this review and we both agree that all of its recommendations and findings must be acted upon with urgency and conviction to rebuild public trust and the confidence of LFB staff and firefighters who have been failed for far too long.
“I am confident that the Fire Commissioner, Andy Roe, recognises the scale of the problems and is the right person to lead the deep-rooted reform needed of the culture and systems within the brigade. The Fire Commissioner knows he has my full support in making the significant and necessary changes to root out all those found to be responsible for sexism, racism, misogyny, homophobia, bullying or harassment – and to support members of staff to speak out. Some of that work has already started with a new independent team investigating complaints and a pledge to scrutinise firefighter interactions with the public through Body Worn Video. But more must be done and at pace.
“Huge changes to policies, procedures and equipment since I appointed this new Fire Commissioner mean that the London Fire Brigade is now better prepared and equipped to fight fires and keep Londoners safe. But for the LFB to be trusted to serve and protect all Londoners it must be a workplace free from discrimination, unfairness and inequality where people of all backgrounds can thrive. That’s why I will continue to support and hold the Fire Commissioner to account on delivering all the improvements needed.”
