Skip to main content
NEU Senior Regional Support Officer
Fire minister 'held back pensions offer to provoke strike'
Leaked letter shows Tories hoarded details of improved scheme as firefighters embarked on industrial action

FIREFIGHTERS lashed out at Tory Fire Minister Brandon Lewis yesterday for keeping details of an improved pension scheme secret to provoke them onto an “unnecessary strike.”

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) launched the first of three days of action yesterday over plans to slash their pensions. 

But a letter leaked to the press as the walkout began shows the minister let slip he has had improved plans for Fire Service pensions since March. 

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
CLIMATE CHANGE: Firefighters tackle a wildfire on Saddleworth Moor, Greater Manchester, June 2018
TUC Congress 2025 / 8 September 2025
8 September 2025

Since 2010, one in five firefighter jobs has disappeared alongside 30% funding cuts — all while climate breakdown brings record blazes and flooding. It’s time to fund our fire service properly, writes FBU general secretary STEVE WRIGHT

Firefighters from the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) take part in
Britain / 13 March 2025
13 March 2025