Fire Service Minister Alan Whitehead today gave the go-ahead to the procurement of a national radio communications system for the Fire Service in England and Wales. This system will enhance the capability of the Fire Service and allow it to meet the new radio interoperability requirement agreed by the primary emergency services.
The decision follows agreement between the presidents of the professional associations representing the three primary emergency services – the police, fire and emergency ambulance service – on the need for enhanced radio communications inter-operability post 11 September. A new specification reflecting this enhanced requirement is being prepared.
Dr Whitehead said:
“Following 11 September the Government has emphasised that it wants to be assured that radio communications between the emergency services will be equal to the demands that may be placed upon them. Today’s decision follows professional advice on the operational, technical and procurement issues.
“We will now be discussing with fire authorities how best to implement the new national strategy. But the Government is prepared to manage, support and fully fund a new national competition, and work on this will start immediately.”