It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Dr Murrison, particularly given your specific interest in this matter. I thank the hon. Member for Stockton West (Matt Vickers) for securing this important debate, and for the consistent way in which he raises the issue in the House in his role as shadow Minister for crime, policing and fire. The minister highlighted the essential work of fire and rescue services in keeping people safe and delivering vital prevention and protection activity, noting that these services face changing risks, increasing complexity, and growing demands beyond traditional fire incidents. She acknowledged 14 years of Conservative austerity and cuts to local authority and fire service budgets, resulting in a loss of 20% firefighter capacity across the country. The minister emphasised the significant change marked by the 2026-27 local government finance settlement, delivering the first multi-year funding settlement for local government in 10 years with an additional £15 million secured for fire and rescue services, ensuring a minimum uplift of 3.8% in core spending power in 2026 for all stand-alone FRAs, some receiving more than 7%. The minister also mentioned the importance of stability for fire and rescue authorities to plan ahead, invest in their workforce and estates, and make sound long-term decisions in the interests of public safety. She discussed the work being done on reforming the funding formula and invited every fire and rescue service in England to participate in sector engagement workshops aimed at reforming funding for the future. The minister stressed the need for local fire authorities to listen to their communities and work with them, emphasising that after 14 years, the sector cannot continue as it is.