Firefighters from across the country are heading to Westminster to protest against the false ‘guarantee’ given to MP’s as part of a parliamentary debate into firefighter pensions. The union has already written to David Cameron and the speaker of the house asking them what they are going to do about government misleading Parliament.
The guarantee
The government repeatedly gave assurances to Parliament that a firefighter, over the age of 55, who failed a fitness test through no fault of their own would receive a full, unreduced pension or a redeployed role. This influenced the vote and the legislation was passed.
The truth
Fire authorities and the Fire and Rescue Service national employers have confirmed there is no guarantee.
Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “Firefighters are justifiably angry with how this government is treating them.
“MPs, the public and firefighters were completely misled and given a false guarantee in order to pass the legislation. This is wrong.
“Firefighters will be protesting in parliament to make their voices heard. They will be asking David Cameron what he is going to do to ensure his government delivers its guarantee. We will not accept these lies – If they can lie to firefighters they can lie to anyone and everyone
The No More Lies protest coincides with 24 hours of strike action firefighters in England will be taking from 7am on Wednesday 25 February.
