Shadow secretary of state for communities and local government Hilary Benn and shadow fire minister Lyn Brown have written to the Westminster government calling for a full parliamentary debate and vote on the controversial regulations for firefighter pensions.
Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “Firefighters welcome Labour’s call for a full parliamentary debate to be held on the floor of the House of Commons so that ministers can be held to account, the views of firefighters can be represented in Parliament and all MPs have a chance to vote and be counted.
“This follows on from the 260 Members of Parliament, from across the political spectrum, who have signed Early Day Motion 454 opposing the regulations. This includes front bench support from the Labour Party as well as support from 16 government party MPs including Liberal Democrat president Tim Farron.
“Firefighters have been trying to get the government to listen for over three years but ministers have so far completely ignored all the evidence regarding the fitness demands of firefighting and the threat these proposals pose to firefighters.
“Firefighters are asking politicians from all parties to allow time for a full parliamentary debate next week on pensions so we can begin resolving this dispute.”
Firefighters in England are currently planning to strike for 24 hours from 9:00 on Tuesday 9 December as the government refuse to negotiate on these proposals.
Firefighters in Scotland and Wales will not be taking strike action as genuine negotiations with consultations on revised offers are continuing.
