Firefighters in Westminster protest on cuts

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) is holding a demonstration in Westminster to raise awareness of the “deep damage” inflicted by cutbacks on spending.

The union said around 1,500 frontline jobs have been axed since 2010, with plans for a further 6,000 losses by 2015.

The FBU warned that 17 fire stations faced closure in London, with dozens more under threat across the country.

General secretary Matt Wrack said: “Fire stations and fire engines are under threat.

“We need to call a halt, and get people to speak up for the service that protects them. When you’re fighting fires, every second counts.”

The union, which is organising a lobby of MPs after a rally today, said the fire service was already “cut to the bone”.