asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the latest position on the fire dispute.

The Fire Brigades Union Executive Council recommended an offer from the Fire Service's national employers to its recall conference on 12 June. The conference voted to accept the offer, and a final agreement has been signed by employers and the union. The Government welcome this agreement which brings an end to the dispute.

In the light of this agreement, those Armed Forces personnel deployed on firefighting duties have been stood down permanently.

The modernisation of the Fire Services remains a key government priority. This agreement will enable all parties to work together to build a better Fire Service that saves more lives.