Boris Johnson: We're Reducing Fire Deaths Despite Fire Cuts

In 2013, while under questioning from London Assembly members at City Hall, the then-London Mayor Boris Johnson was asked about cuts to fire services which had lost London 600 firefighter jobs and 10 fire stations.

Labour member Andrew Dinsmore asked him: “How can cutting fire stations, cutting fire engines, cutting firefighters posts not be a reduction in fire coverage?”

Boris replied: “Because we're improving fire cover, as I've said several times."

"How?" came a call from the public gallery.

"By continuing to reduce deaths from fire and continuing to reduce the incidents of fire," claimed Johnston. "That is the name of the game. It's not about....”

Dinsmore interrupted: “You’ve lied to the people of London in your election.”

“Oh, get stuffed,” retorted Johnston.

Johnson, who is now the UK's Foreign Secretary, yesterday tweeted: “My thoughts and prayers are with everyone caught up in the horrific tower block fire in London.”

Labour MP Grahame Morris tweeted that 10 stations had closed when Johnson was mayor.

Outspoken LBC host James O’Brien said of the clip: “I’ve spent my whole life being a trusting, naive little boy, thinking the people in charge would somehow deep down have our best interests at heart.

“Surely no one would actually turn a flat full of poor people into a potential bonfire, just to save a few quid or make the view better for the rich neighbours over the road.

“I didn’t think that level of cynicism exists.

“Then I saw this man sitting in this studio and thought ‘God, it really is a game for some people’.”

People felt Johnson’s thoughts and prayer might not be enough.