By the leave of the House, I beg to lay a petition regarding the UK opt-out from the EU working time directive. The directive would pose a threat to the retained firefighting system in the UK. The petition has been collected by the residents of Brecon and Radnorshire and contains more than 1,000 names.

The petition states:

To the House of Commons

The Petition of residents of Brecon and Radnorshire, and others,

Declares that the European Parliament's proposed abolition of the opt-out from the European Working Time Directive poses a threat to the retained fire fighter system in the United Kingdom; and further declares that the United Kingdom should maintain its right to opt out of the European Working Time Directive so that the retained fire fighters are able to continue with their commitment to the vitally important fire service.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to do all in its power to preserve the right to opt out and to keep our rural fire stations open.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.

[P000377]