It was a privilege to welcome two excellent Hampshire Firefighters to Parliament today.

Julie Jacobs is an inspiration to people who have an ambition to become a firefighter. It has been my pleasure to know and work with Julie over many years during my time at Hampshire Fire and Rescue and to finally see her as a qualified firefighter in her uniform was a real thrill for me.

Joining her was a Hampshire Fire and Rescue veteran, Chas McGill MBE. Chas is as enthusiastic about the fire service now as he was when he joined as a young firefighter 50 years ago.

It was a pleasure to spend time with them today and reminded me how lucky I was to have been a member and Chairman of the Hampshire Fire Rescue Authority.