FIREFIGHTERS have called on Labour to pledge funding for compensation for those suffering serious work-related illnesses, including cancer, if the party is elected at the next general election.

Fire Brigades Union (FBU) general secretary Matt Wrack accused the Tory government of betraying firefighters by ignoring pleas for compensation.

The union highlighted research at the University of Central Lancashire last year that revealed firefighters suffer instances of cancer up to six times higher than the general population, and higher levels of heart, lung and other ailments.

The union blamed firefighters’ exposure to fire contaminants.

It also wants Labour to pledge funding for health monitoring and prevention measures.

In a letter to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, the FBU demanded talks on the issue ahead of the general election to ensure that the party’s manifesto includes a commitment to swiftly deliver compensation if it wins power.

Mr Wrack said: “Firefighters suffering from cancer and other potentially fatal conditions have been betrayed by the UK government.

“Tory ministers have ignored calls from the FBU and health experts to act over the much greater risk firefighters face of developing these horrendous diseases.

“However, with a general election on the horizon, Keir Starmer has a historic opportunity to do the right thing and deliver justice for the firefighters who have suffered from these devastating illnesses.

“The UK is decades behind countries like the US, Canada, Australia and others which already have such a scheme.

“The Fire Brigades Union stands ready to work closely with the Labour leader’s office and his shadow cabinet colleagues to deliver this desperately needed recompense in government.”

The Labour Party was invited to comment.