Islington South MP Emily Thornberry has urged Sadiq Khan to reinstate at least one of the Islington fire engines that were cut by former Mayor Boris Johnson.

The new London Mayor has launched a review into the fire brigade’s ability to “keep Londoners safe” following fire station closures and the loss of engines and firefighters under Mr Johnson.

Commenting on the review, Ms Thornberry said: “The [cuts] were not made on the basis of keeping Londoners safe but to save money so I’m quite sure that it is going to show that they have put us at risk.

“It’s too late to save Clerkenwell fire station but I will write to Sadiq [Khan] to ask him to reinstate at least one of our fire engines to Upper Street.”

Former mayor Boris Johnson closed 10 fire stations across London, including Clerkenwell, and cut 14 engines and 552 firefighters in January 2014.

It was later revealed that the Mayor was planning to permanently axe another 13 fire engines that had been taken out of service for use in the event of a strike.

The Tribune understands the engines have not yet been disposed of, but are lying unused.

Holloway station was one of those to lose out, meaning that only two engines are now based in Islington – down from six several years ago.

A series of fire deaths in Islington earlier this year, including those of Dr Claire Sheppey and Raymond Lister, have focused attention on the impact of cuts.

The review is led by Ken Livingstone’s former right-hand man, Anthony Mayer.

Mr Khan said: “I want to be reassured that our fire brigade has the resources they need to respond in the event of a fire or a major emergency.”

London chairman of the Fire Brigades Union, Paul Embery, added: “There is no question that recent cutbacks have made Londoners less safe.”

• Keywords
  FIRE ENGINES, FIRE SERVICES, FIRE STATIONS
• Geographical keyword
  ISLINGTON (METROPOLITAN BOROUGH)
• Persons keyword
  Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, Emily Thornberry