FBU demands sacking of 'out of touch' councillor

The Fire Brigades Union has called for the removal of a fire authority chief who likened fire service reform to rape, but said it was better to lie down and enjoy it.

David Fox, chair of Dorset Fire Authority and former leader of Dorset County Council, made the comments in reference to Government moves to the regionalise control rooms where most of the workforce are women.

Claiming he was quoting from a Chinese proverb he said: "If rape is inevitable lie down and enjoy it". The comments were made at a public meeting of the Fire Authority and have been reported to the union by outraged members.

The FBU has written to Dorset Fire Authority demanding his removal. It has also written to the Local Government Association demanding his removal from the national negotiating body where he assists in negotiating equal opportunities issues.

Ruth Winters, FBU President, said: "We agree that the Government changes to the fire service are appalling but his use of language is highly offensive. There is nothing funny or enjoyable about rape.

"He is so out of touch he doesn't even understand what he has done wrong. How are we going to recruit more women into the fire service when leading councillors come out with incredulous comments like this? He should apologise and resign."

Councillor Fox did not deny the comments when challenged by local journalists. According to the Bournemouth Daily Echo Mr Fox is quoted as saying: "I said something along those lines.

"By which I meant that no one wants regionalisation but that it was not possible to oppose it because the government was determined to go ahead. I said it could possibly be compared to the old Chinese saying that if rape is inevitable you may as well just lie down and enjoy it.

"It simply means that where something is inevitable there's no point in fighting against it.

"I don't think what I said was wrong for a moment - as I said it is a saying which is probably in a dictionary of sayings.

"We voted in favour of acceptance of regionalisation - we don't like it, we don't want it, we would prefer to be without it but the government has said that's the way it is going to be."

(GB)