Torfaen Member of Parliament and Shadow Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds has today released a statement of thanks to firefighters for their relentless work in keeping residents across Torfaen safe.

This week, Nick Thomas-Symonds MP visited Cwmbran Fire Station to give his personal thanks to local firefighters for their continued vital service to the public. The Torfaen MP met with the local fire crew, including, Head of Operational Risk Management, Gareth Davies, and Group Manager, Dewi Jones, to discuss with them the challenges they face on the frontline when addressing a wide variety of emergencies.

Commenting on the visit to Cwmbran Fire Station, Nick Thomas-Symonds MP said: “It was a privilege to speak with local firefighters in Cwmbran who carry out invaluable lifesaving work to keep our communities safe. It was incredibly insightful to learn of the challenges currently facing the fire service. I would like to thank them for their tireless work not just through these particularly difficult times, but every single day that they put their lives on the line to carry out their duty.”

“The pandemic has shown just how much we should all value our emergency services. I am deeply disappointed that the UK Government has decided to implement an irresponsible pay freeze for many of our key workers. This is a kick in the teeth for those who have kept our country going when we needed it most.”