Manchester firefighters warned over support for Reform UK as 'chilling' free speech row erupts

Manchester firefighters have been 'warned over supporting Reform UK', sparking a free speech wrangle.

Top chiefs at Manchester's Fire and Rescue Service claimed that employees' support for Nigel Farage's party raised "concern" after a number of their juniors had been elected last month.

Senior figures within the service also declared they were being advised on how to proceed with those who opted to become a Reform councillor.

While firefighters are expected to be politically neutral, there is no legal obligation for them to avoid participating in national or local politics.

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Nevertheless, an exposing email from the service's "race and faith staff network" was sent around in April ahead of polling day and was now been revealed by the Daily Mail.

The pair said they sought to "provide some clarity and reassurance regarding some recent activity we've seen within the organisation".

They added: "We are aware that some staff members have chosen to represent Reform UK in their local areas. We know this may cause concern within our network and wider.

"The individuals involved have been spoken to, to make it clear that as members of GMFRS (Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service) our core values and professional behaviours must be displayed at all times."

They announced they were seeking legal guidance to "ensure (they) are protected from all perspective and that our inclusive culture remains safe".

The pair said they planned to reach out to the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) over their ongoing issue, which has publicly back Labour Makerfield candidate Andy Burnham.

Last month, it was revealed the Greater Manchester Mayor received £10,000 from the FBU for his political plight, after which the union confirmed its formal backing for the "King of the North".

The email ends with a plea to employees with "personal concerns" or those who "feel impacted" to reach out.

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Toby Young, the director of the Free Speech Union, argued that the email implied that "representing Reform UK constitutes an inherent threat to the institution's culture and values and is to be treated as morally suspect".

He stressed that no issues were raised about firefighters supporting any other British political party.

"The email will create a chilling effect on the free speech of GMFRS employees who support Reform," Lord Young warned.

"The practical effect is that a public fire and rescue service governed by you is treating the lawful political activity of your electoral opponents as a reputational risk to their employer."

One of the firefighters who became a Reform councillor blamed the email on the culture "which Burnham created in the service".

The Mayor oversees the overarching governance, strategic and financial management of the regional fire service.

Meanwhile, Tony Greenhalgh, chairman of Stockport Reform, warned that "this kind of identity politics causes a breakdown in the team ethos."

'If Burnham becomes Prime Minister this sort of thing will become turbocharged," he added.

'It undermines trust in the fire service, at a time when the public are already increasingly concerned about public services.'=

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said the service was politically neutral.

They told the Daily Mail: "All members of staff are entitled to be members of, stand as candidates for, or serve as elected representatives of mainstream political parties.

"Fire service staff have stood for election across the political spectrum.

"Where a member of staff seeks elected office, it is standard practice for managers to provide guidance on maintaining political neutrality in the workplace and avoiding any perceived conflict of interest."

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