TONY Blair should read page 9 of the Bolton Evening News, November 25 about the bravery and death of sub officer Paul Metcalf, and maybe then he would understand what being a firefighter is all about.

It is not just fighting fires, but a wide range of public services are provided by these dedicated men and women and they should be treated with respect, something not many MPs deserve as they seem to be governed by self interest. Blair wants to cut this service. Of course, he is not honest enough to say so outright, that is why he had the Bain report. Independent? I don't think so.

Iain Camick

Westhoughton