Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

London Fire Brigade chief promises to sack racist, sexist firefighters as report reveals 'dangerous' prejudice

Andy Roe said there is no place for discrimination, harassment, and bullying in the brigade and all workers should know what sort of behaviour is not acceptable and what will the consequences be.

London Fire Brigade chief promises to sack racist, sexist firefighters as report reveals 'dangerous' prejudice

London Fire Brigade (LFB) commissioner Andy Roe has vowed to sack racist and sexist workers following an explosive inquiry that revealed 'dangerous levels of prejudice' within the biggest fire service in Britain.

Promising a "zero tolerance" approach towards staff members who have been found to have "behaved appallingly", Roe said there is no place for discrimination, harassment, and bullying in the brigade and it will be completely clear to all workers what sort of behaviour is not acceptable and what will the consequences be, Leading Britain's Conversation reported.


"I am deeply sorry for the harm that has been caused. I will be fully accountable for improving our culture and I fully accept all of the 23 recommendations," he was quoted as saying.

An 88-page report led by former chief crown prosecutor Nazir Afzal OBE lashed out at "dangerous levels of prejudice" among firemen and women.

Instances of bad behaviour included filling team members' helmets with urine, subjecting a black firefighter to racist bullying before a mock noose was placed above his locker, and taunting a Muslim fireman with bacon sandwiches.

One woman firefighter told the review that the threshold for bullying is so high "you would have to gouge someone's eyes out to get sacked". "Everything else is seen as banter," she added.

She said that she advises her female friends not to allow male firefighters into their homes to check smoke alarms because, according to her, they search women's drawers looking for underwear and sex toys.

The report of the Independent Cultural Review led by Afzal, which was commissioned in 2021 by the commissioner with the support of London mayor Sadiq Khan, saw the hearing of experiences of more than 2,000 current and former staff and members of the public.

The review was established by Roe in the wake of the death of firefighter Jaden Francois-Esprit, who committed suicide in August 2020. His family suspected that he had been racially bullied, the report said.

The fire brigade was also branded as “institutionally misogynist” because of the high volume of complaints made by women, which included constant sexual taunting and abuse.

"My review found evidence that supports a finding that LFB is institutionally misogynist and racist," Afzal said in his conclusion.

"We found dangerous levels of ingrained prejudice against women and the barriers faced by people of colour spoke for themselves.

"Not only were they more likely to be subject to disciplinary action, less likely to be promoted and largely unrepresented at senior levels, but they were also frequently the target of racist abuse.

"We also saw examples of how this was driving some people of colour out of the brigade and there was evidence that talented people, committed to public service, were being lost as a result."

Afzal also said that misogyny, racism, homophobia, or any other prejudice has no place in the country's emergency services.

"Fire doesn’t discriminate and neither should any firefighter," he added.

Afzal also drew a comparison between the findings and similar problems experienced by the Metropolitan Police.

The report contains more than 20 recommendations, including the introduction of body worn video by firefighters, a historic review of complaints about racism, misogyny and bullying over the past five years and secure facilities for all women in stations.

More For You

Southport

Floral tributes left by members of the public are seen following the fatal knife attack on three young girls in July in Southport.

Reuters

Public inquiry begins into Southport girls' murders

A PUBLIC inquiry begins on Tuesday into the murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport last year.

The inquiry will examine whether the attack could have been prevented and how future incidents might be avoided.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less