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Camden News - by CHARLOTTE CHAMBERS
Published: 18 December 2008

Fireman backs boiler MP in emergency calls spat

THE fireman called to a Liberal Democrat MP’s Highgate home has hit back over comments made by the Conservative politician who helps run the service.
Brian Coleman, the Tory chairman of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority, described Lynne Featherstone as a “dizzy airhead” after she dialled 999 over fears her boiler was going to explode. He said: “You don’t call the fire brigade – you switch your boiler off and call a plumber.”
Mr Coleman, the Camden and Barnet London Assembly member, was told he was “sexist” by Ms Featherstone.
And now Camden’s fire brigade union rep Ben Sprung, who is based in Kentish Town, has urged people to ignore his advice.
Mr Sprung said: “Our advice is if you ever think there is an emergency do not hesitate to call the fire brigade. Delays cost lives.”
He reiterated the brigade’s motto, “Get out, stay out, and get the fire brigade out,” and added: “Mr Coleman is giving out dangerous advice – Ms Featherstone was completely justified. There was a loud bang in her boiler.”
He called for Mr Coleman to “consider his position” over the remarks, warning the politician that he was playing party political games at the expense of the fire safety message and potentially hindering a drive to attract more women to the brigade.

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