Working time opt-out good news for Scotland's fire services - Carmichael

1.12.43pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 28th Apr 2009

Commenting on the collapse of Brussels talks concerning Britain's opt-out from the Working Time Directive, Liberal Democrat Shadow Scotland Secretary, Alistair Carmichael said:

"It looks like the plans which posed such a grave threat to the service provided by retained firefighters across Scotland have now been defeated. This is good news for Scotland's retained fire service and the communities which rely on it.

"However, ministers must be vigilant and ensure that they keep up the pressure as the European Commission consults on the way forward.

"With so much of the country reliant on retained firefighters to keep them safe, we cannot afford a situation where their ability to carry out their job is endangered."

Liberal Democrat candidate for the European elections, George Lyon said:

"Liberal Democrats led the campaign to keep the opt out and Scotland's retained firefighters need a strong voice in Europe to continue this fight.

"There must be sufficient flexibility in the working time directive to allow retained firefighters to provide vital fire and rescue services in Scotland's most remote areas."