Following a visit to the town’s fire station this week, Romsey’s MP, Sandra Gidley, has promised to urge Minister for Europe, Caroline Flint, to back the retention of Britain’s opt-out from the EU Working Time Directive to protect retained fire service cover in Hampshire.

The Working Time Directive limits working time to 48 hours per week and could cut work carried out by retained firefighters who also have full-time jobs.

Commenting, the MP said: “Retained firefighters are an integral part of the fire and rescue cover across our county. Under the current opt-out, they are able to respond to emergency calls at any time of day or night and also undertake essential training and drills, home fire safety visits and attend local events.

“I’ve always argued that the UK’s opt out of the EU Working Time rules must be kept so long as it is voluntary and this applies not just to firefighters, but to all workers who decide that they want to work extra hours.

“If the opt-out is ditched, it will open up a Pandora’s box and the service could be bogged down in complicated arguments about working hours and practices that threaten the existing network of fire cover.”

“Scrapping the opt-out would not only damage our fire service, but would hurt many working people and businesses who are trying to make ends meet in difficult economic times.

“I will be writing to the Minister for Europe, urging her to put pressure on Labour MEPs who voted in favour of getting rid of the opt-out. I am also arranging for my Lib Dem colleague, Sharon Bowles MEP, to visit the fire station.”