Brighton and Hove’s firefighters strike tonight and tomorrow

Firefighters in Brighton and Hove are taking part in a national strike over pensions tonight (Friday 13 December) and tomorrow (Saturday 14 December).

Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) took to picket lines as they to try to protect their pensions from the government’s austerity measures.

The Hove firefighters in Old Shoreham Road by the corner of English Close stood by a sign saying: “We rescue people not banks.”

The strikes tonight and tomorrow run from 6pm to 10pm each night and follow earlier short strikes in the long-running dispute.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: “Although East Sussex Fire and Rescue will continue to respond to emergencies during the strike, cover will be reduced and we will prioritise incidents where lives are in danger.

“Our message to members of the public remains the same. If you have a fire, get out, stay out and dial 999.”

Striking firefighters outside Hove Fire Station

Chief Fire Officer Des Prichard said: “The latest strike comes at a time when many people will be relaxing, making preparations and getting into the Christmas spirit.

“While it’s a fun time of year, we need members of the public to remain vigilant and help us to prevent incidents so that we can direct our resources to where they are most needed.”

He was speaking the day after East Sussex Fire Authority sat in secret to discuss cuts of £7 million – or 18 per cent of the current budget – over the next five years.

A public consultation is expected to start in February.