Thank you for signing this petition and showing your support for Yorkhill Fire Station. I want to update you on the progress that has been made to ensure this vital service remains open and able to serve Yorkhill and the surrounding areas. In August, I met with firefighters at Yorkhill to hear their perspectives on the station’s proposed closure. From ensuring the safety of local residents to protecting cultural landmarks like Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the SEC and Hydro, and the University of Glasgow, we discussed the risks this closure would pose to the community. What is clear is that these latest cuts not only put residents’ safety at risk, they also undermine the safety of firefighters who are forced to battle blazes with fewer resources. Local firefighters are campaigning against the closure because of their professional judgement and experience, and their concerns must be heard. I have written to the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Neil Gray MSP, to raise these concerns. In the letter, I stressed that the strength of feeling demonstrated by this campaign reflects widespread concern that the loss of this historic station will reduce local resilience and increase emergency response times across the communities it currently serves. I have requested to meet with Mr Gray to discuss this directly. I have also called on the Scottish Government to reverse the decision to close the station in the House of Commons. You can watch my full contribution and the minister’s response here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1050837857578265 I believe it is important that the voices of local residents, firefighters and community organisations are fully considered before any final decisions are taken. Please continue to share this petition with your family, friends, neighbours and colleagues, and thank you again for your continued support.

I want to extend my thanks to everyone who has signed this petition and shown their support. The response from our community has been clear and demonstrates just how strongly people feel about this decision and the impact it will have. Please be assured that this campaign is far from over. We will continue to fight this decision and make sure that the voices of local residents are heard loud and clear. Tomorrow, I will be meeting firefighters at Yorkhill to discuss the situation directly with them. I will make sure to pass on the many messages of support that have been received from members of the community. I will also be writing to the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Neil Gray MSP, to convey the strength of feeling across our area and the weight of support behind this campaign. It is vital that ministers understand the concerns being raised by residents and firefighters alike. In the meantime, I would ask that you continue to share this petition with your family, friends, neighbours and colleagues. Every signature helps to send a clear message to the Scottish Government that this is the wrong decision and that our community expects it to be reconsidered. Thank you once again for your support and engagement. Martin Rhodes MP Glasgow North