Matt Wrack: Fire and rescue service 'slashed to pieces'

The Fire Brigades Union is sharply criticising a review of fire services in England, commissioned by the government.

Its author, Sir Ken Knight, told the Today programme that the number of incidents attended by firefighters has fallen by 40% over the past ten years, while total spending on the service has remained broadly the same.

He also said that some brigades cost twice as much to run as others.

The general secretary of the Fire Brigades' Union, Matt Wrack, said the review is about making the service poorer and Sir Ken should be clear about that.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Friday 17 May 2013.