Theresa May joins forces with three former PMs to lead campaign to honour UK’s emergency services

THERESA May has joined forces with three former PMs to spearhead a campaign to honour Britain’s 999 heroes.

They are backing a drive to raise £2 million for a national memorial to our brave police, firefighters, ambulance, lifeboat, coast guard, search and rescue crews.

More than 5,000 members of the emergency services – many of them volunteers – have died keeping the general public safe.

The PM has backed plans to create a new symbol of their sacrifice and gratitude for the 250,000 people who work in the services today.

She is also supports the idea of an official emergency services day, similar to the one dedicated to the armed forces.

Mrs May said yesterday: “The men and women of our emergency services are there for us when we need them most.

“As a nation, we are indebted to them for their courage and sacrifice and it is absolutely right that we should honour their incredible service in this very special way.

“I’m proud to support this national memorial and the creation of an official emergency services day.”

Former PMs David Cameron, Gordon Brown and Tony Blair – plus a host of other senior public figures – have also thrown their weight behind the campaign.

The dedication of 999 crews has been brought into sharp focus recently after the killing of PC Keith Palmer while protecting Parliament from terror attack and the heroism of firefighters at the Grenfell inferno.

While there are individual monuments across the country, such as a fire and police memorial, there is no single national symbol of gratitude to the emergency services.

Police officer Tom Scholes-Fogg, who first thought of the idea, said: “The people who work night and day to keep us safe deserve a simple recognition for the often thankless work.

“I have witnesses the dangers faced by officers on every shift, but at the same time the great pride in serving our country.

“I know Sun on Sunday readers will get behind the campaign and donate whatever they can to build the first national memorial dedicated to all members of the emergency services.”

It is hoped that a prominent place will be found to site the new memorial, probably in a highly-visible spot close to Whitehall.

Mr Blair said: “Each and every day, the men and women of our emergency services make tremendous sacrifices to keep us safe.

“They do all they can to protect us from danger while heading towards it themselves. A national memorial would be a fitting tribute to honour all they do for us, their unwavering commitment and selfless acts of heroism.”

His successor Mr Brown added: “Our emergency services are the finest in the world. These are extraordinary, selfless men and women who think only of others and often risk their lives to keep Britain safe.”

Mr Cameron said: “Our emergency services deserve the thanks of the whole nation.

“I cannot think of a more fitting tribute than a national memorial, serving as a constant reminder of their tireless dedication to others.”

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