The proposed Bonfire Night strike by London firefighters has been called off, the Fire Brigades Union has announced.

London Fire Brigade managers and union chiefs have agreed to attend a meeting of the Resolution Advisory Panel on November 16. The panel is an independently-chaired body that can make recommendations to resolve the dispute.

Fire Minister Bob Neill has said that "sense has prevailed", urging the FBU to go back to the negotiating table "and resolve this dispute through reasoned debate".

London Commissioner Ron Dobson said that going to an independently-chaired body was a "step in the right direction", whilst London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority Chair Brian Coleman said it was "a sensible move".

He continued: "These strikes have always been unjustified, unnecessary and utterly avoidable."

Fire Brigades Union General Secretary Matt Wrack said: "We have listened to the concerns about public safety and we have watched the work of the private contractors who are supposed to protect Londoners with mounting concern."

 

Photo: Fire Minister Bob Neill said "sense has prevailed" as the Fire Brigades Union calls off the Bonfire Night strike

 

Updated November 5th