Justice Secretary meets Hatzola volunteers

Justice Secretary Chris Grayling has met Jewish volunteers for Hatzola, a fast-response medical and ambulance service covering Finchley and Golders Green, with a sister service in Stamford Hill.

Grayling was lending pre-election support to fellow Conservative Mike Freer MP, whose Labour challenger Sarah Sackman has closed the Tory lead. 

Freer is campaigning for a change in the law to allow Hatzola ambulances to use blue lights as first responders. This follows a High Court ruling in 2014 that Hatzola paramedics in north Manchester illegally used sirens and blue flashing lights.

Hatzola originated in the US about 40 years ago with the objective of preserving life, and has since spread to the UK, providing emergency first-aid cover in defined areas, with dozens of trained volunteers across London.