North Yorkshire firefighters 'outraged' over Commissioner's comments on Sarah Everard

In the wake of comments by North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Philip Allott, regarding the Murder of Sarah Everard, the county's Fire Brigades Union Brigade Secretary has issued a statement.

Steve Howley said:

"I have received an unprecedented amount of correspondence from FBU members regarding Mr Allott's comments - the common theme is outrage. In a situation where the focus should be on the tragic rape and murder of Sarah Everard and love for her family and friendship, his comments have shifted focus to his own outrageous and perspective-less comments. All public sector leaders that deal in trust should be reflecting on the lessons that can be learned from this tragedy and looking at how this can be avoided in the future, rather than blaming victims.

"This criticism and concern is not in regard to rank-and-file police officers but in relation to the comments made by the PFCC.

"Given the laws that surround the election of PFCCs and MPs Mr Allott's future is largely in his own hands. FBU members have made clear to us what his next steps should be.

"Our members universally condemn Mr Allott's comments and perspectives on this tragedy, and I can assure the public it is not reflective of the views of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and the membership of North Yorkshire Fire Brigades Union"

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• philip allott
• north yorkshire police crime and fire commisioner
• FBU
• north yorkshire fire and rescue
• north yorkshire fbu