FIREFIGHTERS across Hampshire will stage a 24- hour strike tomorrow in the latest round of action against the Government’s proposed pension scheme.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said firefighters across England will walk out for 24 hours from 7am tomorrow over an “unworkable” pension scheme that is set to be introduced by the Government in April.

The walkouts are over proposals to have firefighters work until they are 60 – instead of 55 – and fears over lower pensions, with the union describing the plans as “unfairly penalising” firefighters.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “Government ministers have ignored three written requests in the last few weeks by the union to meet to try to resolve this dispute.

“Government ministers are quick to call this union ‘militant’ and yet it’s them who still refuse to talk to us when we remain ready to meet and negotiate at any time.

“Firefighters from all across the UK are attending a rally in Westminster tomorrow in a ‘No More Lies’ protest aiming to hold this government accountable for the way it has misled Parliament, the public and firefighters alike.”