On Friday 7th July, Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst, Member of Parliament for Solihull West & Shirley, visited Solihull Fire Station to meet with firefighters from Solihull Fire Station and to hold discussions with the Chief Fire Officer and representatives from the West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS). This followed the recent inspection and governance improvements within the service.
During the course of the visit, Neil had the opportunity to inspect the equipment homed at the Station and discuss with the crew a range of new kit coming online. Neil was particularly interested in hearing about the upskilling of trauma care training received by fire crew, as well as resilience planning in the service.
Dr Shastri-Hurst personally thanked firefighters for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to public safety. He praised the West Midlands Fire Service as an essential frontline organisation that provides reassurance and rapid response in times of need across the region.
"It was an honour to meet with our local firefighters and to extend my personal thanks for their courage and dedication” said Dr Shastri-Hurst. “Public service is at the heart of my values, and I hold the work of our emergency services in the highest regard. These men and women put themselves in harm’s way to protect others, it is only right that their efforts are recognised and supported."
The visit also included a formal roundtable discussion on the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service Governance Improvement Plan, focusing on the structural reforms and cultural changes being implemented since the identification of governance failings in 2024. Stakeholders were united in their commitment to ensuring long-term institutional accountability, transparency, and leadership integrity.
Dr Shastri-Hurst added:
“Whilst we rightly celebrate the dedication of frontline personnel, it is equally important that the governance structures supporting them are robust, transparent, and fit for purpose. The steps being taken through the Governance Improvement Plan mark a vital course correction.”
The meeting was attended by key regional stakeholders, including:
- Cllr Cathryn Bayton, Chair of West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority (WMFRA)
- Cllr Peter Hogarth, WMFRA Lead Member for Solihull
- Prof Simon Brake, WMFRA
- Cllr Karen Grinsell, Leader of Solihull Council
- Saqib Bhatti MP, Member of Parliament for Meriden and Solihull East
- Chief Fire Officer Simon Tuhill, who hosted the visit
The visit reaffirmed a shared determination to uphold the highest standards in governance and service delivery across the West Midlands.
