Fire Minister visits ‘world-class’ National Resilience capability in Merseyside

Last week Fire Minister Samantha Dixon visited the National Resilience Training Centre located in Merseyside where the fire and rescue service is the lead authority for this national capability.

Funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Fire National Resilience Capabilities programme helps fire and rescue services across England to respond effectively to major incidents like major building collapses or natural disasters.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service leads the programme for the country and is upgrading the fire national resilience capabilities helped by a government funding boost of almost £30m this year, ensuring services have the latest kit, equipment and tech to respond to emerging risks like marauding terrorist attacks or chemical incidents. 

The Fire Minister toured the facilities to learn about the resilience capabilities that are strategically located across England in line with the National Security Risk Assessment, ensuring rapid and effective responses to major incidents. She also met firefighters on shift at local Aintree Fire Station, met recruit firefighters and saw Resilience Fire Control and observed demonstrations of immersive and specialist environments showing how National Resilience assets are used.

“It’s been fantastic to see first-hand the world-class capabilities that Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service manages and coordinates on behalf of MHCLG as the lead authority for National Resilience – and the vital role they play in keeping the country safe. 

“Their expertise and commitment make sure that when the worst happens, we have the right people, equipment and coordination in place across the country to protect communities and save lives.” 

Samantha Dixon MP.

The training centre was officially opened by former Policing and Fire Minister Dame Diana Johnson MP in July 2024.

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