Firefighters up and down the country began a 24 hour strike this morning, as part of an ongoing row over proposed changes to their pensions.

Fire Brigade Union (FBU) members claim the government are trying to force through regulations, which mean firefighters will be sacked or face a pension cut if they fail a fitness test.

Fire officers argue the scheme is unworkable, as their fitness inevitably declines as they get older.

The 24 hour walkout began at 9am this morning and affects all fire brigades in England.

The action means firefighters in Sutton, Wimbledon, Croydon, Epsom, and Wandsworth will be on strike until tomorrow.

Firefighters in Elmbridge, Kingston, Richmond, and Twickenham are also taking part in the walkout.

An FBU spokesman said their fight for pension changes had received cross-party support, but the government had refused to hold a debate on the issue.

No strike action has been called in Scotland and Wales after negotiations there brought about changes to the proposals.

Firefighters in Northern Ireland have called off their trade dispute, accepting a revised offer from government which includes a lower pension age.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “Firefighters in England are reluctantly calling further strike action today as a direct result of the Westminster government’s failure to listen and negotiate over pensions.

“Firefighters are asking the Westminster government to immediately open genuine negotiations to resolve this dispute.

"They should also hold a House of Commons debate to fully scrutinise the legislation and there should be a parliamentary vote on the regulations.

“We need to be clear. We are not going to give up or go away.

"Firefighters will fight for however long it takes to secure a fair pensions deal – this dispute will not end as long as the regulations remain unchanged."